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Polyatomic Ions and Acid Naming

Oct 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the naming conventions for compounds with polyatomic ions and acids, highlighting key rules and memorization requirements for chemical nomenclature.

Polyatomic Ions

  • Polyatomic ions are groups of covalently bonded nonmetals with an overall ionic charge.
  • Memorize the name, formula, and charge of selected polyatomic ions listed in Table 2.3 for this course.
  • Important polyatomic ions: acetate, carbonate, bicarbonate, cyanide, hypochlorite, chlorite, chlorate, perchlorate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, hydroxide, phosphite, phosphate, sulfite, sulfate.
  • Ammonium (NH₄⁺) is the only required polyatomic ion with a positive charge.
  • Using tools like flashcards or Quizlet helps in memorizing polyatomic ions.

Naming Compounds with Polyatomic Ions

  • All compounds with polyatomic ions are considered ionic compounds.
  • Apply standard ionic naming rules and use polyatomic ion names directly.
  • Example: NH₄Cl → ammonium chloride; Ba(OH)₂ → barium hydroxide.
  • For compounds with metal cations that have variable charges (e.g., lead), indicate the charge using Roman numerals.
  • To write chemical formulas from names, use ion charges to balance and apply the crisscross method for subscripts.
  • Example: Iron(III) chlorate → Fe(ClO₃)₃; Ammonium sulfide → (NH₄)₂S.

Naming Acids

  • Acids donate H⁺ ions and typically have formulas starting with H.
  • The name of an acid depends on the suffix of its anion:
    • Anions ending in "-ide": hydro___ic acid (e.g., H₂S → hydrosulfuric acid).
    • Anions ending in "-ite": ___ous acid.
    • Anions ending in "-ate": ___ic acid (e.g., HClO₄ → perchloric acid).
  • Molecular names of acids convert based on the above rules.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Polyatomic ion — a group of covalently bonded atoms with an overall ionic charge.
  • Ionic compound — a compound composed of positive and negative ions.
  • Acid — a substance that donates H⁺ ions and begins with H in its formula.
  • Crisscross method — technique to balance ionic charges in formulas.
  • Suffixes for acid naming — rules for naming acids based on their anion ending (-ide, -ite, -ate).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Memorize names, formulas, and charges of required polyatomic ions.
  • Practice naming and writing formulas for compounds with polyatomic ions and acids.
  • Review acid naming rules; prepare for more details in Chapter 4.