Question

nh3 is nitrogen trihydride (ammonia) and bf3 is boron trifluoride. what is the name for alcl3 and why? a aluminum chloride - it does not have the prefix \tri-\ since it is ionic. b monoaluminum trichloride - there is only one aluminum and it needs the prefix \mono-\. c aluminum trichloride - it has the prefix \tri-\ since it has the same ratio as the other compounds. d aluminum chloride - ionic compounds do not get a prefix on the first name if there is only one of that element.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify compound type

$AlCl_3$ is an ionic compound. Ionic compounds are named without prefixes indicating the number of atoms.

Step2: Recall naming rules for ionic compounds

For ionic compounds like $AlCl_3$, we name the metal (aluminum) first and then the non - metal (chloride). The metal is aluminum and the non - metal is chlorine which becomes chloride in the compound name.

Answer:

Aluminum chloride - It does not have the prefix "tri -" since it is ionic.