Question

What is the correct name for the compound, P2O5?

Answer 1

Answer : The correct name for the compound, $P_2O_5$ is, Diphosphorous pentoxide.

Explanation :

$P_2O_5$ is a covalent compound because in this compound the sharing of electrons takes place between phosphorous and oxygen. Both the elements are non-metals. Hence, it will form covalent bond.

The naming of covalent compound is given by:

• The less electronegative element is written first.
• The more electronegative element is written second. Then a suffix is added with it. The suffix added is '-ide'.
• If atoms of an element is greater than 1, then prefixes are added which are 'mono' for 1 atom, 'di' for 2 atoms, 'tri' for 3 atoms and so on.

Hence, the correct name for the compound, $P_2O_5$ is, Diphosphorous pentoxide.

Answer 2

DiPhosphorus pentoxide or pentaoxide