Question

Write the formula for the following compound: Tin (IV) oxide

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, we need to first understand the rules of nomenclature for inorganic compounds. Since the name of the compound is already given to us, we can backtrack the process of nomenclature to obtain the chemical formula for the same.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
Some basic rules for the IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic compounds can be given as:
1.We need to first identify the constituent elements that are present in the compound.
2.If the given compound is ionic in nature, then the element which is placed at the left side of the chemical formula, is the positive ion and the one on the right side is the negative ion
3.When naming the compound, we must first name the positive part of the compound. Now, if the parent metal of the cation shows multiple oxidation states, then we need to specify the particular ion name along with the oxidation state exhibited by that ion in brackets. This is used as the suffix of the IUPAC name of the given compound.
4.The negative part of the compound is written as the name of the parent element followed by the corresponding suffix.
5.At all steps, necessary suffixes and prefixes must be added depending on the oxidation states, presence of oxyanions, etc.
The chemical symbol for tin is SN and oxide or oxygen is O. Now, we need to find the stoichiometric reaction of the atoms on the basis of their oxidation states and the charge on the molecule.
Charge of compound = (Oxidation state of Sn) (no. of atoms of Sn) +
             (Oxidation state of O) (no. of atoms of O)
$\Rightarrow$ \[0 = \left( { + 4} \right)\left( 1 \right) + \left( { - 2} \right)\left( x \right)\]
$\Rightarrow$ \[4 = 2x\]
$\Rightarrow$ \[x = 2\]
Hence, for every 1 atom of Tin, we have 2 atoms of oxygen. Hence, the chemical formula for Tin (IV) oxide is \[Sn{O_2}\]

Note: When the metal has more than one possible ionic charge or oxidation number the name becomes ambiguous. In these cases, the oxidation number (the same as the charge) of the metal ion is represented by a Roman numeral in parentheses immediately following the metal ion name.