Formulas and Names for Covalent Compounds Ionic compounds bond in predictable proportions Formulae for covalent compounds are hard to predict because 2 non-metals can often bond in different proportions Eg. sulfur and fluorine combine to form: SF4 OR SF6 We need a way to tell them apart
Naming Covalent Compounds We add Greek prefixes to indicate the number of each element Prefix Number mono- 1 hexa- 6 di- 2 hepta- 7 tri- 3 octa- 8 tetra- 4 nona- 9 penta- 5 deca- 10
Naming Covalent Compounds Write the less electronegative element first with the correct prefix Write the second element, with the correct prefix Change the ending of the second element to “ide”, just like ionic compounds Note:“mono-” is only used for the second element. If the first element has one atom, just use the element name
Examples: Name these covalent compounds SCl2 SF4 SF6 N2O5 P2O3 P4O10
Formulas for Covalent Compounds Use the prefixes to find the number of each atom present Eg. disilicon hexabromide Exceptions for covalent compounds H2O = water NH3 = ammonia CH4 = methane
Examples: Give the formula for these covalent compounds iodine monochloride dinitrogen tetroxide tricarbon disulfide phosphorus pentachloride silicon disulfide
Formulas and Names for Binary Acids Binary Acids – contain H and one other element Many are gases at room temperature Only when dissolved in H2O do they become acids Use the prefix “Hydro” + second element name + suffix “ic”, followed by acid Eg. HCl(aq) = hydrochloric acid Note: aq = aqueous Read as “in water”
Examples: Name these Binary Acids HF(aq) H2S(aq) HBr(aq)
Formulas and Names for Ternary Acids Ternary Acids contain oxyanions Oxyanions – polyatomic anions with oxygen Anions ending in “ate” change to “ic” Anions ending in “ite” change to “ous” Write “acid” after the anion name When writing chemical formulas (aq) must be written after the formula
Examples HNO3 = nitric acid H2SO4 = sulfuric acid HClO4 = perchloric acid HClO3 = chloric acid HClO2 = chlorous acid HClO = hypochlorous acid
Examples: Name these Ternary Acids HNO2 H3PO4 H2CO3