Nomenclature How we name stuff

Ionic or Covalent If the first element is a metal, ionic Cation: the first, and positive Anion: the second and negative If the first element is a nonmetal, covalent. If the first element is N, check and see if its actually NH4, in which case its ionic.

Ionic: the cation If the cation is one of which you know the charge, write its name. Group 1, Group 2, Ag, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In If the cation is not one of which you know its charge, you must use a Roman numeral to indicate its charge.

Ionic: the anion If the anion is a nonmetal, write its name with an –ide ending. If the anion is a polyatomic anion, write its name.

Examples NaCl NH4Cl CaCl2 CuCl2 NaNO3 NaOH Ca(OH)2

Solutions NaCl sodium chloride NH4Cl ammonium chloride CaCl2 Calcium Chloride CuCl2 Copper II chloride or cupric chloride NaNO3 sodium nitrate NaOH sodium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 calcium hydroxide

Covalent Write name of first element. If its subscript is greater than 1, you must use a prefix. If the subscript is one, never use a prefix Write the name of the second element. Always use a prefix and the –ide ending.

Prefixes One mono Two di Three tri Four tetra Five penta Six hexa Seven hepta Eight octa Nine nona Ten deca

Examples CO CO2 P2O5

Solutions CO carbon monoxide CO2 carbon dioxide P2O5 diphosphorus pentoxide

Acids Always H + an anion If anion contains no oxygen, then follow binary acid rules If anion contains oxygen (most polyatomic anions), follow oxy acid rules

Binary Prefix with hydro Name anion with an –ic suffix Don’t forget to say acid Ex. HCl H2S HCN

Oxyacids If anion ends in -ate, replace with –ic acid If anion ends in –ite, replace with –ous acid Examples H2SO4 H2CO3 HNO3 HNO2

Modification warning In some cases, the anion name has to be modified. Ex: H2SO4 the anion name is sulfate, but the acid is sulfuric, not sulfic. You will get used to this by using the names. And phosphate becomes phosphoric.