Question

What is the name for the compound with the formula `Sn(CrO_4)_2?`

Answer 1

Stannic chromate or tin(IV) chromate

Explanation:

We're asked to find the name of the compound `"Sn(CrO"_4")"_2`.

This is considered an ionic compound, with the constituent ions being

• a tin cation

• the chromate anion, `"CrO"_4^(2-)`

This being a compound, the sum of the ionic charges must be `0`.

We know the charge of the chromate ion is `2-`, so we need to find the charge of the `"Sn"` cation, by asking, "What must the charge (oxidation state) of tin be so that the net charge is zero?"

There is one cation per two anions in this compound, so we have

`overbrace((1)(x))^"tin" + overbrace((2)(-2))^("CrO"_4^(2-)) = 0`

`x = color(red)(4`

The oxidation state of tin here is thus `(IV)`, so the name is

Tin(IV) chromate

or

Stannic chromate