Download Naming Compounds - Mayfield City Schools

16.2 Naming Compounds
Compounds have unique names that identify them for us when we study chemical properties and changes.
Predicting the name of a compound is fairly easy provided certain rules are kept in mind. In this skill sheet, you
will practice naming a variety of chemical compounds.
Chemical Formulas and Compound Names
Chemical formulas tell a great deal of information about a compound—the types of elements forming the
compound, the numbers of atoms of each element in one molecule, and even some indication, perhaps, of the
arrangement of the atoms when they form the molecule.
In addition to having a unique chemical formula, each compound has a unique name. These names provide
scientists with valuable information. Just like chemical formulas, chemical names tell which elements form the
compound. However, the names may also identify a “family” or group to which the compound belongs. It is
useful for scientists, therefore, to recognize and understand both a compound’s formula and its name.
Naming Ionic Compounds
Follow these steps:
1. Write the name of the first element or the positive ion of the compound.
2. Write the root of the second element or negative ion of the compound.
3. For example, write fluor- to represent fluorine, chlor- to represent chlorine.
4. Replace the ending of the negative ion's name with the suffix -ide.
5. Fluorine → Fluoride; Chlorine → Chloride
Examples:
A compound containing potassium (K1+) and iodine (I1–) would be named potassium iodide.
Lithium (Li1+) combined with sulfur (S2–) would be named lithium sulfide.
Naming Compounds with Polyatomic Ions
Naming compounds that contain polyatomic ions is even easier. Just follow these two steps:
1. Write the name of the positive ion first. Use the periodic table or an ion chart to find the name.
2. Write the name of the negative ion second. Again, use the periodic table or an ion chart to find the name.
Examples:
A compound containing aluminum (Al1+) and sulfate (SO42–) would be called aluminum sulfate.
A compound containing magnesium (Mg2+) and carbonate (CO32–) would be called magnesium carbonate.
Naming Covalent Compounds
Put prefixes (see Dichotomous key for list of prefixes) in front of element names to indicate number of atoms.
1. First element – Do not use “mono”, but use a prefix if there is more than one atom of the element and
then write the elements name.
2. Must use a greek prefix to indicate the number of atoms and then write the elements name changing to
last letters to “ide”.
Examples:
A compound H2O is named – Dihydrogen monoxide. Its common name is of course water.
A compound of Si2Br6 is named – Disilicon Hexabromide.
Naming Compounds – Flipped Classroom
1. Watch the following Videos:
Naming Ionic Compounds (6:52)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lfc6jjp1WQ
Naming Covalent Compounds (2:26)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VokWJy_jpAc
Metallic Bonds (2:31)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAnTCYZPJsE
2. Using Dichotomous Key handed out in class and the knowledge you have gained complete the rest of
this Naming Compounds and Molecules Worksheet.
3. Check your answers that are posted online.
Combine these…
Compound Formula
Al + Br
Be + O
K+N
Mg + Oxygen
Cs + F
Mg + Cl
Ca + S
SCl4
PO3
H2O2
ClO2
P5S4
CO
CO2
H2O
Compound Name
Naming Chemical Compounds / Molecules - Wkst 1
9. CH4 _________________________________
Identify the following as ionic (I), covalent (C), or metallic
(M).
Name: ___________________________________
1. _____ CO2
6. _____ Cu-Cu
2. _____ BeO
7. _____ Al2O3
3. _____
Zn-Zn
8. _____ MgCl2
4. _____
K3 N
9. _____ CO
5. _____
CH4
10. ____ Ni-Ni
Using the dichotomous key name the following:
Name the Ionic Bond.
1. MgBr2 ______________________________
Below are a mix of compounds and molecules. Use your
dichotomous key to name them.
1. MgBr2
________________________________________
2. LiCl
________________________________________
3. N2S3
________________________________________
4. K2S
2. KCl ________________________________
3. Al2S3 _______________________________
4. CaCl2
_____________________________
5. Ca3N2
____________________________
6. BeO _______________________________
7. SrI2 ________________________________
8. NaF ________________________________
9. Li3 P ______________________________
Name the Covalent Bond.
1. SiF4 ________________________________
2. N2S3 _________________________________
3.
CO ________________________________
4. P4S5 _______________________________
5.
PCl3 _______________________________
6. As2O5 _______________________________
7. N2O3 ________________________________
8. SeF6 _________________________________
5.
________________________________________
As2O5
________________________________________
6. Al2S3
________________________________________
7. Mg3P2
____________________________________________
8. P4S5
________________________________________
9. Rb2O
__________________________________________
10. Si2Br6
__________________________________________
11. SCl4
__________________________________________
12. H2O
__________________________________________
13. PCl5
_________________________________________