Calcium Hydride vs Dihydride: Explained

[jools111]

Hey all. I'm pretty sure I'd be correct in saying that the compund CaH2 is calcium hydride. My question is this... Why would it not be calcium dihydride? There are 2 hydrogen atoms right? Or are both term correct? Thanks.

 

[Borek]

Nothing wrong with "dihydride". I am not sure, but could be this is even IUPAC recommended name. Check here:

http://www.iupac.org/publications/books/rbook/Red_Book_2005.pdf

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[Ygggdrasil]

Generally for ionic substances (usually substances formed between a metal and non-metal), you don't need to use the mono-, di-, tri- etc. prefixes to specify number. This is because most ions have a specific charge (or for transition metals, the charge is specified), so one can figure out the correct proportion of cations and anions.

 

[jools111]

Generally for ionic substances (usually substances formed between a metal and non-metal), you don't need to use the mono-, di-, tri- etc. prefixes to specify number. This is because most ions have a specific charge (or for transition metals, the charge is specified), so one can figure out the correct proportion of cations and anions.

So technically... Calcium hydride or calcium dihydride would both be correct?

 

[Borek]

Yes.

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