I know it is also called dinitrogen monoxide, but why nitrous oxide when it isn't an acid or the anion doesn't end in -ite. Also, nitrogen has a -3 charge and oxygen has a -2 charge; therefore, shouldn't it have been N2O3?
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In N2O, the N is +1 (each) and the O is -2. In this compound, the N is the cation (as opposed to NH3 where it is the anion).
As for naming, all compounds of O where the only anion is the O itself are refereed to as "oxides" See hydrogen oxide (water). I think you are confusing mixed atom anions such as NO3- (nitrate) and NO2- (nitrite) with N2O which is a neutral compound.
So, simply put, the "ite" or "ide" ending is not appropriate here because you are dealing with an oxide.
As for naming, all compounds of O where the only anion is the O itself are refereed to as "oxides" See hydrogen oxide (water). I think you are confusing mixed atom anions such as NO3- (nitrate) and NO2- (nitrite) with N2O which is a neutral compound.
So, simply put, the "ite" or "ide" ending is not appropriate here because you are dealing with an oxide.
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