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Ionic Charges and Compound Naming

Sep 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers predicting ionic charges based on the periodic table, naming ionic compounds, and using Roman numerals for transition metal complexes.

Predicting Ionic Charges

  • Group 1A elements form ions with a +1 charge.
  • Group 2A elements form ions with a +2 charge.
  • Group 3A elements form ions with a +3 charge.
  • Group 7A elements form ions with a -1 charge.
  • Group 6A elements form ions with a -2 charge.
  • Group 5A elements form ions with a -3 charge.
  • Group 6A peroxides are an exception with a -1 charge.
  • Group 4A elements generally form molecular compounds, not typical ions.

Naming Transition Metal Compounds

  • Transition metals require a Roman numeral to show their cation charge in compound names.
  • The Roman numeral indicates the oxidation state of the metal.
  • Example: CuO is copper (II) oxide; copper has a +2 charge here.
  • Example: Cu2O is copper (I) oxide; copper has a +1 charge here.

Writing and Naming Binary Ionic Compounds

  • The charge of the ions determines the chemical formula so charges balance to zero.
  • Example: Iron (III) bromide means Fe has a +3 charge, Br is -1, so formula is FeBr3.
  • Example: Titanium (IV) sulfide means Ti is +4, S is -2, so formula is TiS2.
  • The thought process starts by identifying ion charges and ensuring the overall compound is neutral.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Ionic charge — The electric charge an atom gains or loses when forming an ion.
  • Transition metal — Elements in the middle of the periodic table that often have variable oxidation states.
  • Roman numeral — Number in parentheses in compound names showing the charge of a transition metal cation.
  • Binary compound — A compound composed of two different elements.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice predicting ionic charges for different groups.
  • Try writing and naming formulas for transition metal compounds using Roman numerals.