[cjp88]

Hello, I'm a bit stuck on writing out CuSO3.  I didn't find any examples in my text book so I tried writing it out from what I learned.

I know copper is multi-valent so I had to find which was being used.  From what I learned I just do this:

x + 3(-2) = 0

(x is what charge is being used)

x would be 6, but I'm confused here because there is only a charge of 2+, 1+ with copper.

[Borek]

I'm a bit stuck on writing out CuSO3.

Perhaps my English fails me, but looks like you you have just wrote it

You must explain more precisely what you are trying to do.

[cjp88]

For example, PbO2(s) is lead (IV) oxide.  I need to write the name, not the formula.

[Borek]

OK. Where is sulfur in your calculations? 3*(-2) is just oxygen...

But it won't get easier as sulfur can have different valences as well. Apart from the copper valence, what is the name of CuSO₃?

[cjp88]

The question is worded: Provide the correct IUPAC name for each of the following compounds: CuSO3, ect...

In my textbook it teaches with multi-valent metals to find which charge is being used you do this:

x = unknown charge being used

So with copper I'm supposed to do: x + 3(-2) since there are 3 polyatomic ions with a charge of 2-

This is what confuses me, in the textbook and in my lessons it tells you to keep SO3 as a single ion, not as S and O.  On my polyatomic Ions chart SO3 is sulfite.

Now I might be getting confused because I thought if you used polyatomic ions you need to write them out as Cu(SO3) to show they're together.

EDIT: Never mind, I was really confused.  My first answer on this question was copper (II) sulfite, and I was getting confused thinking it was a wrong.  So I made a phone call and I guess it was right after all.  Thanks for the help anyhow and sorry for the confusion.

[Borek]

SO₃^2- is a polyatomc anion made of one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms. It has overall charge of -2. Period.

[cjp88]

Thank you, I now understand where I went wrong.  So I did some practice questions and got them all right.

[sjb]

Now I might be getting confused because I thought if you used polyatomic ions you need to write them out as Cu(SO3) to show they're together.

Well, you don't need to put them in brackets, this is only to avoid confusion.

For instance consider ammonium sulfate; NH₄₂SO₄.

This is probably better written as (NH₄)₂SO₄ to show there are two ammoniums per counter ion, rather than the very exotic NH₄₂ ²⁺ species 

S

[cjp88]

Alright, thanks!  I'm personally making it a practice to use brackets and I guess I need to check the polyatomic ion chart a bit more so I don't get confused.  I'm glad I could find a site with good help in Chemistry!