Naming Chemical Compounds Worksheet Template printable pdf download

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Skill Sheet 19-C

Naming Chemical Compounds

Compounds have unique names that identify them for us when we study chemical properties

and changes. Predicting the name of a compound is fairly easy provided certain rules are kept

in mind. In this skill sheet, you will practice naming a variety of chemical compounds.

1. Chemical formulas and compound names

Chemical formulas tell a great deal of information about a compound—the types of elements

forming the compound, the numbers of atoms of each element in one molecule, and even some

indication, perhaps, of the arrangement of the atoms when they form the molecule.

In addition to having a unique chemical formula, each compound has a unique name. These

names provide scientists with valuable information. Just like chemical formulas, chemical names

tell which elements form the compound. However, the names may also identify a “family” or group

to which the compound belongs. It is useful for scientists, therefore, to recognize and understand

both a compound’s formula and its name.

2. Naming compounds

Naming ionic compounds is relatively simple, especially if the compound is formed only from

monoatomic ions. Follow these steps:

1. Write the name of the first element or the positive ion of the compound.

2. Write the root of the second element or negative ion of the compound.

For example, write fluor- to represent fluorine, chlor- to represent chlorine.

3. Replace the ending of the negative ion's name with the suffix -ide.

Fluorine → Fluoride; Chlorine → Chloride

Examples:

A compound containing potassium (K

) and iodine (I

) would be named potassium iodide.

Lithium (Li

) combined with sulfur (S

) would be named lithium sulfide.

Naming compounds that contain polyatomic ions is even easier. Just follow these two steps:

1. Write the name of the positive ion first. Use the periodic table or an ion chart to find the

name.

2. Write the name of the negative ion second. Again, use the periodic table or an ion chart to find

the name.

Examples:

) would be called aluminum sulfate.

A compound containing aluminum (Al

) and sulfate (SO

A compound containing magnesium (Mg

) and carbonate (CO

) would be called

magnesium carbonate.

Naming Chemical Compounds Worksheet Template