Question:

The IUPAC name of an element with atomic number 119 is:

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To never forget the roots: 0 is Nil (nothing), 1 is Un (uni-), 2 is Bi (bi-), and 9 is Enn (think of 'enneagon' for a 9-sided shape). Just string them together and add "-ium"!
Updated On: May 13, 2026
  • Ununennium
  • Unnilennium
  • Unununium
  • ununoctium
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: For elements with atomic numbers greater than 100, IUPAC established a systematic nomenclature based directly on the digits of the atomic number.
This ensures a temporary name is available before a permanent name (usually honoring a scientist or place) is officially adopted.
The names are derived using numerical roots for each digit: [h] {|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|} Digit & 0 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 & 6 & 7 & 8 & 9 Root & nil & un & bi & tri & quad & pent & hex & sept & oct & enn The name is constructed by putting the roots together in order of the digits and adding the suffix "-ium" at the end.

Step 1:
Breaking down the atomic number digits. The given atomic number is 119. We identify the roots for each individual digit:
• First digit: 1 $\rightarrow$ root is "un"
• Second digit: 1 $\rightarrow$ root is "un"
• Third digit: 9 $\rightarrow$ root is "enn"

Step 2:
Assembling the roots. Combine the roots in the order of the digits: $$ \text{un} + \text{un} + \text{enn} $$ This gives us the base string: "ununenn".

Step 3:
Applying the suffix and final naming. Add the mandatory IUPAC suffix "-ium" to the end of the root string: $$ \text{ununenn} + \text{ium} = \text{Ununennium} $$ The symbol for the element is derived from the first letter of each root (capitalizing the first one): Uue. *Note on spelling:* If a root ends in 'enn' and the suffix is 'ium', we keep all three 'n's (enn-ium). If a root ends in 'bi' or 'tri', we drop one 'i' (e.g., bi-ium becomes bium).
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