What is the name of Ba3(PO4)2?

To determine the name of the compound Ba₃(PO₄)₂, one must understand the nomenclature rules of inorganic compounds. Here, we have a combination of a metal (Barium, Ba) and a polyatomic anion (PO₄³⁻). Let's go step-by-step to decipher the name:

1. Identify the Metal Cation:

The metal in this compound is Barium (Ba). Metals, especially those in groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table, generally form cations. Barium is in group 2, and it typically forms a +2 cation. Its name remains the same in the compound's name as "Barium".

2. Identify the Polyatomic Anion:

The compound has (PO₄)²⁻ as its anion. This polyatomic ion is called "phosphate". Polyatomic ions are ions containing more than one type of atom. Phosphate specifically contains one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms and carries a charge of -3.

3. Combining the Cation and Anion Names:

When naming an ionic compound, the cation's name (metal) is followed by the anion's name (non-metal or polyatomic ion). No numerical prefixes are used in the names, even if there are multiple atoms of a particular element.

Therefore, combining the names of the cation and anion, we get: Barium Phosphate.

4. Balancing Charges (for understanding):

To further comprehend how the formula Ba₃(PO₄)₂ is derived:

• Barium (Ba) has a charge of +2 (Ba²⁺).
• Phosphate (PO₄) has a charge of -3 (PO₄³⁻).

To neutralize the charges and form a stable ionic compound, we require 3 Barium ions (3 x +2 = +6) and 2 Phosphate ions (2 x -3 = -6). When these charges are balanced, the net charge of the compound is zero, leading to the empirical formula Ba₃(PO₄)₂.

The compound Ba₃(PO₄)₂ is named Barium Phosphate.