The ionic compound Mn2(SO3)3 is called manganese(III) sulfite.
Here’s how we arrive at that name:
- Manganese (Mn): In this compound, manganese has a +3 oxidation state. We can determine this because each sulfite (SO32-) anion carries a -2 charge, and with three sulfite ions, the total negative charge is -6. To balance this, two manganese ions are needed, making their total positive charge +6, which means each manganese must be +3.
- Sulfite (SO3): The sulfite ion has a formula of SO32-. It is essential to recognize the name of the polyatomic ion here, which helps identify the compound correctly.
Putting this all together, the compound is named manganese(III) sulfite, reflecting the oxidation state of manganese and the presence of the sulfite ion.