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Michael Muirhead

What is the name of the compound with the formula P4S10?

Annmarie Wilson  Follow

The common name for this is phosphorous pentasulfide. It is a dimer- two units joined together- of P2S5. Hence the name contains “penta” which means 5.

BUT

The systematic name uses the given formula and prefixes to show the numbers of of each of the two types of atoms. So it is

tetraphosphourous decasulfide.

So your application will determine the name to use. Are you working in industry? Use the common name. Are you a Chemistry student? Your teacher wants the systematic name.

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Arslan Siddique  Follow

The name of this compound is Phosphorus pentasulfide. It is made by reacting white phosphorus with sulfur at high temperature.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus_pentasulfide

Just a quick edit: Phosphorus pentasulfide exists as a dimer, so two P2S5= on P4S10.

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