Chemical Nomenclature Information Sheet Template (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

Chemical Nomenclature Information Sheet Template Page 2

Nonmetal – Nonmetal

These compounds are always covalently bonded. They are commonly referred to as covalent or molecular

compounds. The least electronegative element is usually written first. Since we do not know about

electronegativity yet, the rule may be stated as: write the element furthest to the left on the periodic table

and furthest down the table, first.

General Form = Q

Where: Q = any nonmetal

X = any other nonmetal

y and z are integers

Steps in naming binary covalent compounds:

(1) Write the numerical prefix for y (see prefix list below) unless it is one (1), then no numerical prefix is

used.

(2) Add the full name of the nonmetal, Q.

(3) Write the numerical prefix of z. Once again, no numerical prefix is used if z = 1.

(4) Add the stem of the name of the second nonmetal, X.

(5) Complete the name by adding the suffix, -ide, to the stem;

(6) If the first element is hydrogen, H, no numerical prefixes are needed.

Most commonly used numerical prefixes: 1 = mono; 2 = di; 2 = tri; 4 = tetra; 5 = penta; 6 = hexa;

7 = hepta; 8 = octa; 9 = nono; 10 = deca

Examples: ICl = iodine chloride;

ICl

= iodine trichloride;

= dinitrogen tetroxide

2. Cation – Polyatomic Anion Compounds

Please note: From this point on, it is very important that you have memorized the correct name, formula

and charge for all the polyatomic anions listed in the book and on the Polyatomic Ions handout.

General Form = (Metal ion or NH

)

(Polyatomic anion)

The bond between the metal or ammonium ion and the polyatomic anion is always ionic. These

compounds are, like the binary metal-nonmetal compounds, also referred to as salts.

Steps in naming cation-polyatomic anion compounds:

(1) Name the metal ion/ammonium ion in exactly the same manner used in the naming of binary metal-

nonmetal compounds.

(2) Name the polyatomic anion.

Examples:

= sodium sulfate;

(PO

)

= copper (II) phosphate;

(NH

)

= ammonium carbonate

Chemical Nomenclature Information Sheet Template Page 2