Why Is Tetrachlorocuprate(II) Ion Incorrect?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct nomenclature of the complex ion CuCl4^2-, specifically whether it should be referred to as tetrachlorocuprate(II) ion or tetrachlorocopper(II) ion. The scope includes aspects of IUPAC nomenclature and the implications of using certain suffixes in chemical naming.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the term "cuprate" implies the presence of oxygen combined with copper, drawing a parallel to the naming of chlorate.
  • Another participant suggests that using "copper(II)" may imply "cuprate," indicating a potential redundancy in naming conventions.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes adherence to IUPAC nomenclature, stating that "cuprate" is not recognized and that the correct terms are copper(I) or copper(II).
  • One participant expresses a preference for checking authoritative chemistry textbooks for clarification on the naming conventions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of the term "cuprate," with some supporting its use in literature while others argue against it based on IUPAC rules. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct nomenclature.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the implications of suffixes in chemical nomenclature and the definitions of terms like "cuprate." The discussion does not resolve the nuances of IUPAC naming conventions.

haoku
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Homework Statement



Name of complex ion CuCl4^2-


The Attempt at a Solution



I wrote tetrachlorocuprate(II) ion and my teacher says it is incorrect. I should write tetrachlorocopper(II) ion
 
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Cuprate i think would mean there is oxygen combined with the copper. like for chlorate(1) which is ClO-. the -ate suffix generally means an oxide.
 
It's possible that they are saying that by writing copper(II) you are implying cuprate, and therefore don't need to say it. For example, nowadays we don't say sulphite and sulphate, we say sulphate(II) and sulphate(III)... I think.
 
best guess right now is : tetrachlorocuprate(II) but better is to check in a General Chemistry textbook or an Inorganic Chemistry textbook.
 
haoku said:

Homework Statement



Name of complex ion CuCl4^2-


The Attempt at a Solution



I wrote tetrachlorocuprate(II) ion and my teacher says it is incorrect. I should write tetrachlorocopper(II) ion

You must be naming according to IUPAC nomenclature rules. IUPAC doesn't recognize 'cuprate'; it is either copper(I) or copper(II). 'Cuprate' is often used in the literature but it isn't strictly correct according to IUPAC. It is particularly offensive (to chemical geeks like me) that the -ate suffix is used to apply to a positively charged metal when everyone knows that even under the old nomenclature system that -ate was the nomenclature of heteropoly anions!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUPAC_nomenclature_of_inorganic_chemistryhttp://www2.potsdam.edu/walkerma/inorg_naming.pdf" ... (page 2, right hand column)
 
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