Science & NatureNaming Compounds
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This will allow a chemistry student to name chemical compounds.

               
 
 
Does the formula begin with Hydrogen (H)?
 
 





NO

YES



 
It is a COVALENT Compound!!!! 1) Name the element that is the cation 2) Add a prefix to indicate the number present if greater than one. 3) Name the element that is the anion 4) Add a prefix to indicate the number present. 1 – mono 2 – di 3 – tri 4 – tetra 5 – penta 6 – hex 7 – hept 8 – oct 9 – nono 10 – deca
YES
Does the formula consist of ONLY two non-metal elements?
Is it aqueous? (dissolved in water?)
 





NO

NO

YES


 
Write the name of the Cation: "Ammonium"
YES
It is an IONIC Compound!!!!! Does the formula start with NH4?
It is an Acid!!! When finished, add "acid" to the end of the name…. Is the anion polyatomic?
 





NO


NO

YES

 
Write the name of the first element. Add the charge in Roman numerals in parenthesis
YES
Does the formula start with an element with more than one oxidation state (charge)?
Begin name with "Hydro-" add the name of the second element with "-ic" ending,
Name the base element of the polyatomic and add the following ending based on the polyatomic ending: Does the polyatomic ion name end with "-ate?"





NO



NO

YES
 
Is the anion polyatomic?
Write the name of the first element listed.
Change ending to "-ous" Remember to add "acid" to name
Change ending to "-ic" Remember to add "acid" to name



YES

NO





 
Name the polyatiomic ion
Name the second element in the formula with "-ide" ending.