Chemistry 2010 JAMB Past Questions - Question 23: The IUPAC nomenclature of the compound LiAIH4is

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

The IUPAC name for the compound LiAlH? is **lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III)**. Here's the breakdown:

1. **Cation:** Li? (lithium ion)
2. **Anion:** AlH?? (tetrahydridoaluminate(III) ion)
    - Tetrahydrido indicates the four hydrogen atoms attached to the aluminum atom.
    - Aluminate indicates the presence of an aluminum atom attached to oxygen (not present here).
    - The (III) denotes the +3 oxidation state of the aluminum.

Therefore, the complete IUPAC name is **lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III)**.

It's important to note that some sources may also use alternative, but still acceptable, names like:

* Lithium aluminum hydride
* Hydride aluminum lithium (III)
* Lithium tetrahydridoaluminum (I)

However, **lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III)** is the preferred IUPAC nomenclature.