JAMB Chemistry 2010 Paper

Concept:$\mathrm{LiAlH_4}$ is a coordination compound, and IUPAC names the cation first, then the complex anion.Explanation:It consists of $\mathrm{Li}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{AlH}_4^{-}$.The anion contains four hydride ligands around aluminium, hence “tetrahydridoaluminate”.Oxidation state of aluminium: $x + 4(-1) = -1$, so $x = +3$, indicated as (III).Therefore, the IUPAC name is lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III).Answer:A. lithiumtetrahydridoaluminate (III)