key term - -ous

Definition

The suffix '-ous' is a common ending used in chemical nomenclature to indicate the presence of a specific element or group within a compound. It is often used to denote the lower oxidation state of an element compared to its higher oxidation state counterpart.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The '-ous' suffix is used to indicate the lower oxidation state of an element compared to its higher oxidation state counterpart.
2. Compounds with the '-ous' suffix often have a lower number of oxygen atoms or a lower number of bonds to other elements compared to their higher oxidation state counterparts.
3. The '-ous' suffix is commonly used in the names of binary compounds, such as sulfurous acid (H2SO3) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
4. In organic chemistry, the '-ous' suffix is used to indicate the presence of a specific functional group, such as the '-ous' in 'carbonous' to indicate a carbon-oxygen double bond.
5. The use of the '-ous' suffix is an important aspect of chemical nomenclature, as it helps to convey the chemical structure and properties of a compound.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of the '-ous' suffix in chemical nomenclature.
  • The '-ous' suffix in chemical nomenclature is used to indicate the lower oxidation state of an element compared to its higher oxidation state counterpart. This helps to convey the chemical structure and properties of a compound, as compounds with the '-ous' suffix often have a lower number of oxygen atoms or a lower number of bonds to other elements compared to their higher oxidation state counterparts.
• Describe how the '-ous' suffix is used in the naming of binary compounds.
  • The '-ous' suffix is commonly used in the names of binary compounds, such as sulfurous acid (H2SO3) and nitrous oxide (N2O). In these cases, the '-ous' suffix indicates that the element has a lower oxidation state compared to its higher oxidation state counterpart, which would be named using the '-ic' suffix. This systematic naming convention helps to clearly communicate the chemical structure and properties of the compound.
• Analyze the relationship between the '-ous' suffix and the concept of oxidation state in organic chemistry.
  • In organic chemistry, the '-ous' suffix is used to indicate the presence of a specific functional group, such as the '-ous' in 'carbonous' to indicate a carbon-oxygen double bond. This relationship between the '-ous' suffix and the oxidation state of the element is an important aspect of understanding organic chemical nomenclature. By recognizing the significance of the '-ous' suffix, one can infer the oxidation state and chemical properties of the compound, which is crucial for predicting and understanding its reactivity and behavior in chemical reactions.

Related terms

Oxidation State:

The degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound, represented by a number that can be positive, negative, or zero.

Valence:

The combining capacity of an atom, which determines the number of chemical bonds it can form.

Nomenclature:

The systematic naming of chemical compounds based on established rules and conventions.