3.7 Summary of inorganic nomenclature

Question 1

In the previous two sections, we discussed naming inorganic compounds, specifically ____ compounds, ____ compounds, and acids.

Answer 1

In the previous two sections, we discussed naming inorganic compounds, specifically ionic compounds, molecular compounds, and acids.

Question 2

However, we often have to name a compound without initially knowing the ______ into which it falls

Answer 2

However, we often have to name a compound without initially knowing the category into which it falls

Question 3

To use the flow chart, begin by determining what type of ________ you are trying to name. For example, to name the ________ MgCl 2 , you need to decide if the ________ is ________, ________, or an ________. In this case, since MgCl 2 is composed of a ________l and ________, it is ________. Therefore, you begin at the box labeled “________” at the far left side of the flow chart.

Answer 3

To use the flow chart, begin by determining what type of compound you are trying to name. For example, to name the compound MgCl 2 , you need to decide if the compound is ionic, molecular, or an acid. In this case, since MgCl 2 is composed of a metal and nonmetal, it is ionic. Therefore, you begin at the box labeled “IONIC” at the far left side of the flow chart.

Question 4

Next, determine whether the metal in the compound forms only one type of ___ or ___ than one type. You can decide this by looking for the metal (in this case magnesium) in Table 3.2. Since magnesium is listed in the table, it forms only one type of___; therefore, you take the left branch in the flow chart

Answer 4

Next, determine whether the metal in the compound forms only one type of ion or more than one type. You can decide this by looking for the metal (in this case magnesium) in Table 3 .2. Since magnesium is listed in the table, it forms only one type of ion; therefore, you take the left branch in the flow chart

Question 5

Finally, name the compound according to the ________ at the end of the path in the flow chart. In this case, write the name of the________ (the metal) followed by the base name of the ________ (the nonmetal) appended with the ending - ________ . Its full name is magnesium ________(MgCl 2 ).

Answer 5

Finally, name the compound according to the blocks at the end of the path in the flow chart. In this case, write the name of the cation (the metal) followed by the base name of the anion (the nonmetal) appended with the ending - ide. Its full name is magnesium chloride.