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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 72e

Name the following ionic compounds: (e) Fe2(CO3)3

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Identify the cation and the anion in the compound. Here, the cation is Fe (iron) and the anion is CO3 (carbonate).
Determine the charge of the anion. The carbonate ion (CO3) has a charge of -2.
Since the compound is neutral overall, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Here, there are three carbonate ions, each with a -2 charge, giving a total of -6.
To balance the -6 charge from the anions, the iron cation must have a total charge of +6. Since there are two iron atoms, each iron must have a charge of +3.
Name the compound by stating the name of the cation first, followed by the charge of the cation in Roman numerals in parentheses, and then the name of the anion. The compound is named Iron(III) Carbonate.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, creating a stable compound. Understanding the nature of ionic bonds is essential for naming these compounds correctly.
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Oxidation States

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, indicates the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. It helps in determining how many electrons an atom has gained, lost, or shared during the formation of a compound. In the given compound, Fe has an oxidation state of +2, which is crucial for correctly identifying the compound's name.
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Nomenclature of Ionic Compounds

The nomenclature of ionic compounds involves naming the cation first followed by the anion. For transition metals, the oxidation state is often indicated in Roman numerals. In the case of Fe2(CO3)3, the name would reflect the iron's oxidation state and the carbonate ion, leading to the name 'Iron(II) Carbonate' for the compound.
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