Naming Compounds

Question 1

How do you name ionic compounds (metal + non-metal)

Answer 1

Name the metal first, then the non-metal with an “-ide” ending. For transition metals, include the charge in Roman numerals.

Question 2

How do you name covalent compounds (non-metal + non-metal)?

Answer 2

Use prefixes to show the number of atoms (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-), and end the second element with “-ide.”

Question 3

How do you name compounds with polyatomic ions?

Answer 3

Name the metal first, then the polyatomic ion. Don’t change the ending of the polyatomic ion.