Naming Ionic and Covalent Compounds

Introduction

• Understanding naming of ionic and covalent (molecular) compounds is crucial.
• Importance: Required throughout chemistry studies.
• Strategy: Identify compound type first - ionic or molecular.

Compound Identification

• Ionic Compounds
  • Consist of one metal and one nonmetal.
• Molecular (Covalent) Compounds
  • Consist of two nonmetals.

Ionic Compounds

Without a Transition Metal

• Naming: Metal name + Nonmetal name ending in "ide."
• Example: Aluminum Oxide (Aluminum + Oxygen)
• Balance charges using periodic table.
  • Aluminum 3+, Oxygen 2-
  • Balance: Aluminum subscript 2, Oxygen subscript 3 (Al2O3)

With a Transition Metal

• Naming: Transition Metal name + Roman numeral for charge + Nonmetal name ending in "ide."
• Example: Iron (III) Oxide
  • Iron charge determined by Roman numeral.
  • Balance: Iron subscript 2, Oxygen subscript 3 (Fe2O3)

With a Polyatomic Atom

• Naming: Metal name + Polyatomic atom name.
• Example: Calcium Phosphate
  • Calcium 2+, Phosphate 3-
  • Balance using parentheses: Calcium subscript 3, (PO4) subscript 2

With Transition Metals and Polyatomic Atoms

• Naming: Transition Metal + Roman numeral + Polyatomic atom.
• Example: Copper (II) Nitrate
  • Copper charge from Roman numeral, Nitrate -1
  • Balance: Copper does not need subscript, NO3 subscript 2

Ionic Naming from Formula

• Formula to Name:
  • Identify elements and charges.
  • Use Roman numeral for transition metals.
• Example 1: FeBr2 -> Iron (II) Bromide
• Example 2: Cu3(PO4)2 -> Copper (II) Phosphate

Covalent (Molecular) Compounds

• Two nonmetals.
• Use prefixes (1-10) for naming, do not balance charges.

Prefixes

• Mono, Di, Tri, Tetra, Penta, Hexa, Hepta, Octa, Nona, Deca.

Naming

• Prefix + Nonmetal + Prefix + Nonmetal ending in "ide."
• Example 1: Diphosphorus Pentoxide
  • "Di" = 2 phosphorus, "Pent" = 5 oxygen
• Example 2: N3O6 -> Trinitrogen Hexaoxide
  • "Tri" = 3 nitrogen, "Hexa" = 6 oxygen

Practice

• Importance of practicing naming.
• Encouragement: Keep practicing, seek tutoring if needed.
• Believe in your ability to learn anything.