Question

what is the chemical name of the covalent compound $p_4s_3$?
a. tetraphosphate trisulfide
b. triphosphate tetrasulfide
c. tetraphosphorus trisulfide
d. quadriphosphide trisulfur
e. quadriphosphorus trisulfide

Explanation:

To name a covalent compound, we use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element. For \( P_4S_3 \), the symbol \( P \) is phosphorus. The subscript 4 means we use the prefix "tetra-", so "tetraphosphorus". The symbol \( S \) is sulfur, and the subscript 3 means we use the prefix "tri-", so "trisulfide". We check the options:

• Option A: "tetraphosphate" is incorrect (phosphate is an ion, not for covalent naming here).
• Option B: The prefixes are reversed (should be tetra for P and tri for S).
• Option C: "tetraphosphorus trisulfide" matches the naming rules (tetra for 4 P, tri for 3 S, and using the element names).
• Option D: "quadriphosphide" and the naming is incorrect (phosphide is an ion - related term, not for covalent).
• Option E: "quadriphosphorus" is not the correct prefix (correct is tetra -).

Answer:

C. tetraphosphorus trisulfide