Dinitrogen tetroxide is the "proper" name for N2O4. Frequently, the rules are allowed to "slide" a little. For example, P2O5 is properly called diphosphorus pentoxide, but it is usually just called phosphorus pentoxide because it is a common, well-known chemical. H2S should properly be called dihydrogen sulfide, but since this is the only common compound composed of these elements, it is usually just called hydrogen sulfide and everyone knows what it is. There is no other common oxide of nitrogen that has 4 oxygens, so anyone with some familiarity with the subject would understand when you say "nitrogen tetroxide" that you mean N2O4 rather than "NO4". But when there are other, common possibilities, the name has to be specific. If we say "carbon oxide" or "sulfur oxide", it would be unclear whether we were talking about CO or CO2, or SO2 or SO3.  Steve |
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