Naming of Ionic Compounds

EXPERIMENT
Naming Ionic and

Molecular Compounds
Hands-On Labs, Inc.
Version 42-0315-00-01
Review the safety materials and wear goggles when
working with chemicals. Read the entire exercise
before you begin. Take time to organize the materials
you will need and set aside a safe work space in which
to complete the exercise.
Experiment Summary:
You will apply the rules for naming ionic and molecular
compounds to write the names of compounds when
given the chemical formula. You will also write the
formula for ionic and molecular compounds when
given the name.
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Experiment Naming Ionic and Molecular Compounds
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this laboratory, you will be able to:
●● Describe how the periodic table arranges elements by their chemical properties.
●● Define molecular compound, ionic compound, polyatomic ion, oxidation state, and diatomic
element.
●● Identify the prefixes and suffixes used to name polyatomic ions and list the name, formula,
and charge of common polyatomic ions.
●● List the rules for converting formulas to names, and names to formulas for ionic and molecular
compounds.
●● Explain the difference between binary and oxoacids, and identify the rules for naming each.
●● Generate a colored periodic table to distinguish between the groups of elements, and create
a list of common polyatomic ions and strong acids to aid in naming chemical compounds.
●● Write the names for ionic compounds, molecular compounds, polyatomic ions, and acids by
interpreting their formulas.
●● Write the chemical formulas for ionic compounds, molecular compounds, polyatomic ions,
and acids by interpreting their compound names.
Time Allocation: 3 hours
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Materials
Student Supplied Materials
Quantity Item Description

1 Box of colored pencils or highlighters
1 Computer printer
1 Digital camera or smartphone
1 Package of note cards
1 Pen or pencil
1 Sheet of paper
HOL Supplied Materials

There are no HOL Supplied Materials attached to this lesson.
Note: To fully and accurately complete all lab exercises, you will need access to:
1. A computer to upload digital camera images.
2. Basic photo editing software such as Microsoft® Word or PowerPoint®, to add labels, leader
lines, or text to digital photos.
3. Subject-specific textbook or appropriate reference resources from lecture content or other
suggested resources.
Note: The packaging and/or materials in this LabPaq kit may differ slightly from that which is listed
above. For an exact listing of materials, refer to the Contents List included in your LabPaq kit.

Background
The Periodic Table
The periodic table is a reference for the arrangement of chemical elements. See Figure 1. The
periodic table not only organizes the elements by their atomic number and electron configurations,
it also organizes the elements by their chemical properties. The periodic table is the most important
tool to have on hand when studying chemistry. A periodic table is located on the inside cover of
almost every chemistry textbook.
Figure 1. Periodic Table of Elements. Click to Download Printable Version.
Communication skills are important in any field, and the language of chemistry has a vocabulary
of its own. In the medical field, it is essential to communicate clearly and effectively. For example,
it is important to be correct and unambiguous when transferring responsibility for a patient to
another person, or asking the doctor or dentist for required medication. Reports may be written
for the doctor or for communicating with a patient about their condition, and learning how to
write chemical names and formulas is the first step in pharmacology.
For example, the ionic compound potassium nitrite (KNO2) is used to treat chest pain, whereas the
compound potassium nitrate (KNO3) is used to treat asthma and is also found in toothpastes for
sensitive teeth. A pharmacologist or doctor would need to ensure the proper indication of these
compounds to properly and effectively treat a patient’s symptoms.

Naming Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds consist of nonmetallic elements that share electrons through covalent
bonds. The type of molecular compounds we will focus on naming in this lesson are binary
molecular compounds. Binary molecular compounds consist of two nonmetal elements. For
example, a water molecule (H2O) is a binary molecular compound consisting of the nonmetals
hydrogen and oxygen.
To name a binary molecular compound, the first element is given its elemental name, and the
second element is given its root (i.e. carb-, hydr-, ox-, fluor-) with the suffix “-ide.” For example:
●● HF = hydrogen fluoride
Greek prefixes are used for molecular compounds to account for the number of each element in
the compound. See Table 1 for the Greek prefixes that represent the numbers 1 - 10.
Table 1. Greek prefixes.
Number of Atoms Prefix
1 Mono-
2 Di-
3 Tri-
4 Tetra-
5 Penta-
6 Hexa-
7 Hepta-
8 Octa-
9 Nona-
10 Deca-
For example:
●● CO2 = carbon dioxide
●● N2O3 = dinitrogen trioxide
The prefix “mono-” is never used for the first element, and only used for the second element
if ambiguity exists in the naming. A few examples for using the prefix “mono-” on the second
element are:
●● carbon monoxide
●● dinitrogen monoxide
●● nitrogen monoxide
Note: If the final vowel in a prefix is “a” or “o” it is dropped before the vowel in a stem name, for ease
of pronunciation.

Converting a Molecular Compound Formula to a Name

Example 1: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Name: P2S5
1. Read the formula and look at the subscripts.
P2S5
Note that P and S are nonmetals, which can be determined by referencing a periodic table like the
one in Figure 1.
2. Write the name of the first element with the correct Greek prefix.
P2 = diphosphorus
3. Write the root name of the second element with the suffix “-ide.”
S = sulfur = sulfide
4. Write the correct Greek prefix of the second element.
S5 = pentasulfide
5. Write the name of the molecular compound.
P2S5 = diphosphorus pentasulfide
Example 2: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Name: CO

CO
2. Write the name of the first element with the correct Greek prefix. If the 1st element has the
prefix “mono”, it is dropped.
C = carbon (NOT monocarbon)
3. Write the root name of the second element with the suffix “-ide.”
O = oxygen = oxide
4. Write the correct Greek prefix of the second element. If the final vowel in a prefix is “a” or “o”
it is dropped before the vowel in a stem name, for ease of pronunciation.
O = monoxide (NOT monooxide)
5. Write the name of the molecular compound.
CO = carbon monoxide

Converting a Name to a Molecular Compound Formula

Example 3: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Formula: Carbon Tetrafluoride
1. Read the name of the compound.
carbon tetrafluoride
2. Write the first chemical symbol based on the first name written in the compound.
carbon = C
3. Include the number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) included in the first name.
1 carbon atom = C
Note: Since the word “carbon” in carbon tetrafluoride has no prefix, it can be assumed that there is
only one carbon atom in the molecule.
4. Write the second chemical symbol based on the second name written in the compound.
fluoride = fluorine = F
5. Include the number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) included in the second name.
tetrafluoride = 4 fluorine atoms = F4
6. Write the formula of the molecular compound.
carbon tetrafluoride = CF4
Note: You will not be asked to “balance” the formula of molecular compounds because there are no
ions to balance. Ionic charges and balancing equations will be introduced later.
Example 4: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Formula: Diboron Trioxide

diboron trioxide
2. Write the first chemical symbol based on the first name written in the compound.
boron = B
3. Include the number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) included in the first name.
diboron = 2 boron atoms = B2
4. Write the second chemical symbol based on the second name written in the compound.
oxide = oxygen = O
5. Include the number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) included in the second name.
trioxide = 3 oxygen atoms = O3
6. Write the formula of the molecular compound.
diboron trioxide = B2O3

Naming Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are chemical compounds containing both a cation (positive ion) and an anion
(negative ion) held together by electrostatic forces, also known as ionic bonds. Ionic compounds
are different from molecular compounds in that they usually contain a metal or an ammonium ion
(NH4+) and molecular compounds are composed of nonmetals. A binary ionic compound contains
two elements, one metal and one nonmetal.
To name a binary ionic compound, the cation elemental name is listed first, followed by the root
of the anion ending in “-ide.” For example:
●● NaCl = sodium chloride
Greek prefixes are not used in naming the number of atoms of each element for ionic compounds.
For example:
●● Li3N = lithium nitride, NOT trilithium nitride.
Ionic compounds are written as neutral compounds, meaning the overall charge of the compound
must equal zero. In order to determine the overall charge, the oxidation state of the metal and
nonmetal must be known in order to ensure the correct number of atoms of each element are
present in the compound. The oxidation state represents the number of electrons that an atom can
gain, lose, or share when bonded with an atom of another element. The oxidation state for each
element can be found on the periodic table in Figure 1. We will discuss how to use the oxidation
state to calculate the number of atoms of a compound in further detail later.
Converting an Ionic Compound Formula to a Name

1. Use the periodic table to determine if a metal is present in the compound.
Note: Be aware that many elements have similar names and symbols.
a. If a metal is present, the compound is likely an ionic compound.
2. Determine if the metal ion (cation) has a “fixed charge.” A fixed charge means that there is
only one possible oxidation state, as shown in Figure 2. Cations with a fixed charge include:
a. All elements in Group IA and Group IIA: alkali metals = 1+, alkaline earth metals = 2+
b. Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+
c. Some transition metals in Groups IIIB through IIB, such as: Ag1+, Zn2+, and Cd2+
Note: Reference the periodic table to check if the metal has a variable or fixed charge.

Figure 2. The fixed charge oxidation states, or charges, of the element potassium (K) in Group IA
and the element beryllium (Be) in Group IIA.
3. Proceed to step 6 if the metal does not have a fixed charge, otherwise continue to step 4.
4. Name the cation first.
a. Record the entire name of the cation.
5. Name the anion second.
a. Combine the root name of the nonmetal anion with the suffix “-ide.” The conversion
from a formula to a name is complete once the anion has been named.
6. Determine the variable charges for the metal, as shown in Figure 3. Variable charge means
that there is more than one possible oxidation state. Elements with a variable charge include:
a. Most transition metals in Groups IIIB through IIB.
b. Other metals in Groups IIIA through VIA, EXCEPT for: Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+
Note: Reference the periodic table to check if the metal has a variable or fixed charge.
Figure 3. The variable charge oxidation states, or charges, that iron (Fe) and gold (Au) can carry.

7. Name the cation first.

a. Include the entire name of the cation.
b. Balance the ionic charges of the cation and anion. Identify the number of ions required
to generate a neutral compound.
c. List the Roman numeral in parentheses based on the ionic charge. Do not put a space
between the cation name and the parentheses. For example, iron(III) chloride.
8. Name the anion second.
a. Include the root name of the anion and the suffix “-ide.”
Example 5: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Name: Li2O

Li2O
Note that Li is a metal and O is a nonmetal, which can be determined by referencing a periodic table
like the one in Figure 1.
2. Determine if the metal ion has a fixed charge or variable charge.
Li = Group IA = fixed charge = 1+
3. Record the entire name of the cation.
Li = lithium
4. Write the root name of the nonmetal ion with the suffix “-ide.”
O = oxygen = oxide
5. Write the name of the ionic compound.
lithium oxide
Example 6: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Name: Fe2O3

Fe2O3
Fe = Group VIIIB = variable charge = 2+ or 3+
Fe = iron

4. Determine the Roman numeral by balancing the charges to create a neutral compound.
a. There are 2 atoms of iron and 3 atoms of oxygen.
b. We know oxygen always carries a 2- charge so all 3 atoms of oxygen have a 2- charge.
c. We need to determine if each iron atom has a 2+ or a 3+ charge by a simple algebraic
calculation where the charge for each iron atom equals x and the equation is set to 0:
Tip: To balance Fe2O3, first consider the oxygen atoms. Oxygen always has a charge of 2-, therefore
O3 has a total charge of 6-. This means that Fe2 must have a total charge of 6+. Each Fe atom will
have a charge of 3+.
d. After solving for x, we find that each iron atom carries a 3+ charge. Thus, the Roman
numeral used in the compound name is “III.”
iron(III)
5. Write the root name of the nonmetal ion with the suffix “-ide.”
O = oxygen = oxide
iron(III) oxide
Converting a Name to an Ionic Compound Formula

When writing formulas for ionic compounds, the sum of the positive and negative charges MUST
equal zero to obtain a neutral compound.
Example 7: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Formula: Calcium Fluoride
calcium fluoride


calcium = Group IIA = fixed charge = 2+
Note: If the name does not include a Roman numeral, then the metal ion has a fixed charge.
3. Write the first chemical symbol based on the cation in the compound, including the charge.
calcium = Ca2+
4. Write the second chemical symbol based on the anion in the compound, including the charge.
fluoride = fluorine = F-
5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element and write the
formula for a neutral compound.
Tip: To balance CaF2, first consider the Ca has a fixed charge of 2+ and F carries a 1- charge. For the
compound to have a net charge of 0, there must be two F atoms and one Ca atom.
6. Write the formula of the ionic compound.
calcium fluoride = CaF2
Example 8: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Formula: Gold(III) Chloride

gold(III) chloride
gold = Group IB = variable charge = 1+ or 3+

The name tells us it is gold(III) meaning it carries a 3+ charge:
gold(III) = Au3+
chloride = chlorine = Cl-

5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element to write the

gold(III) chloride = AuCl3
Polyatomic Ions
Polyatomic ions are a group of two or more covalently bonded atoms that function as a single
ion. For example, oxygen carries a 2- charge and hydrogen carries a 1+ charge. When combined
they form a covalent bond, producing a single anion with a 1- charge called hydroxide (OH-). The
1- charge of the hydroxide ion is a product of the 2- charge of the O with the 1+ charge of the
H (-2 + 1 = -1). Polyatomic ions are the fundamental unit in the majority of ionic compounds;
therefore, knowing polyatomic ion names, formulas, and charges is important. Common ions and
their charges are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Common polyatomic ions.
Name Formula Charge
ammonium ion NH4+ 1+
hydroxide ion OH- 1-
cyanide ion CN- 1-
nitrite** ion NO2- 1-
nitrate** ion NO3- 1-
sulfite** ion SO32- 2-
sulfate** ion SO42- 2-
hydrogen sulfite** ion HSO3- 1-
hydrogen sulfate** ion HSO4- 1-
carbonate ion CO32- 2-

Name Formula Charge

hydrogen carbonate ion HCO3- 1-
phosphate ion PO43- 3-
hydrogen phosphate ion HPO42- 2-
dihydrogen phosphate ion H2PO4- 1-

hypochlorite ion ClO- 1-
chlorite** ion ClO2- 1-
chlorate** ion ClO3- 1-
perchlorate ion ClO4- 1-
peroxide ion O22- 2-
chromate*** ion CrO42- 2-
dichromate*** ion Cr2O72- 2-
permanganate*** ion MnO4- 1-

**Note the very subtle differences in names and subscripts due to the oxidation states.
*** Note that permanganate, chromate, and dichromate each have a metal and a
nonmetal.
Note: There are additional tables of polyatomic ions available online and in textbooks. This table
includes only the most common ions encountered in general chemistry classes.
Here are a few helpful hints for naming polyatomic ions:
a. Suffixes: the name of the ion usually ends in “-ite” or “-ate.” A low oxidation state for
the non-oxygen element will have an ion ending in “-ite,” versus a higher oxidation
state for the non-oxygen element that ends in “-ate.” The oxidation state of the non-
oxygen element is dependent upon a calculation in which oxygen is assigned its normal
state of -2 and, where present, hydrogen is assigned its normal state of +1. Figure 4
shows the calculations of the oxidation states for the sulfite ion (SO32-) and the sulfate
ion (SO42-). A simple algebraic calculation is done to determine the oxidation state for
the non-oxygen element:

Figure 4. Algebraic calculations for the oxidation states of the polyatomic ions sulfite and
sulfate.
b. Prefixes: “hypo-” indicates the very lowest oxidation state and “per-” indicates the very
highest oxidation state. Figure 5 shows the calculations of the oxidation states for the
hypochlorite ion (ClO-) and the perchlorate ion (ClO4-). A simple algebraic calculation
is done to determine the oxidation state for the non-oxygen element:
Figure 5. Algebraic calculations for the oxidation states of the polyatomic ions hypochlorite and
perchlorate.

c. Few polyatomic ions have positive charges. These ions have names ending in “-onium.”
For example, ammonium (NH4+) and hydronium (H3O+).
d. There are a few exceptions to these rules. The following polyatomic ions were once
thought to be monatomic ions so they end in “-ide:” hydroxide (OH-), cyanide (CN-),
and peroxide (O22-).
Naming Polyatomic Ion Compounds

Example 9: Writing a Metal + Polyatomic Ion Name: KNO2
KNO2
K = Group IA = fixed charge = 1+
K = potassium
4. Record the entire name of the anion.
NO2 = nitrite
potassium nitrite
Example 10: Writing a Metal + Polyatomic Ion Formula: Gold(I) Nitrate

gold(I) nitrate
gold = Group IB = variable charge = 1+ or 3+

The name tells us it is gold(I) meaning it carries a 1+ charge.
gold(I) = Au+
nitrate ion = NO3-
5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element to write the


gold(I) nitrate = AuNO3
Naming Acids
Simple covalent compounds that contain hydrogen often dissolve in water to produce acids.
For example, HF in its gaseous state (g) is hydrogen fluoride, but HF in aqueous solution (aq) is
hydrofluoric acid. This lesson focuses on binary acids and oxoacids. Binary acids are acids in which
hydrogen bonds with a second nonmetallic element. An oxoacid is an acid containing oxygen,
hydrogen, and a third element. An oxoacid contains at least one hydrogen atom bound to the
oxygen. These acids ionize in water by breaking the OH bond to form a H+ ion and an anion.
There are a unique set of rules for naming both binary and oxoacids. The systematic names for
binary acids include the prefix “hydro-” (indicating the water the acid is dissolved in) and the root
of the second element’s name (the non-metal). The suffix of the anion changes from “-ide” to “-ic,”
followed by the word “acid.” For example:
water + H+ + F- = HF(aq) = hydrofluoric acid
Note: Acids containing sulfur use the full name “sulfur” instead of the root of the name. For example,
H2S(aq) is called hydrosulfuric acid NOT hydrosulfic acid.
Oxoacids are named based on the nonmetal from which they are derived. The prefix “hydro-” is
not used, and the suffix “-ate” is changed to “-ic,” and the suffix “-ite” is changed to “-ous.” For
example, HNO3 (contains the nitrate ion) is named nitric acid. The prefixes used for lowest and
highest oxidation states are also used in the naming of oxoacids. For example, HClO (contains the
hypochlorite ion) is named hypochlorous acid. See Table 3 for examples of formulas and names
for strong acids that may be encountered.
Note: Since acids are covalent compounds dissolved in water, the formula must indicate the physical
state the compound is in to distinguish it from covalent compounds NOT dissolved in water. For
example, HCl(g) is hydrogen chloride whereas HCl(aq) is hydrochloric acid.

Table 3. The formulas and systematic names for a selection of common strong acids.
Acid Formula Non-metal Present in Acid Systematic Name

HCl(aq) Chloride Hydrochloric acid
HBr(aq) Bromide Hydrobromic acid
HI(aq) Iodide Hydroiodic acid
HNO3(aq) Nitrate Nitric acid
H2SO4(aq) Sulfate Sulfuric acid
Diatomic Elements
Diatomic elements do not have full valence electron shells and cannot exist as a single atom.
For example, the reactivity of hydrogen causes lone atoms to combine into diatomic (two atom)
molecules forming hydrogen gas (H2(g)) or liquid hydrogen (H2(l)). Element names ending in “-gen”
or “-ine” are diatomic. The names and formulas for the seven diatomic elements can be found in
Table 4.
Note: These elements are diatomic ONLY when they are the only element present, NOT when they
are chemically bonded to other elements.
Table 4. The formulas and names of the seven diatomic elements.
Seven Diatomic Elements

Hydrogen H2
Nitrogen N2
Oxygen O2
Fluorine F2
Chlorine Cl2
Bromine Br2
Iodine I2
Review and Tips

In the Exercises, you will study the periodic table and familiarize yourself with polyatomic ions,
common acids, and the diatomic elements. Then, you will practice the discipline of following a
set of rules to write the names and formulas of ionic and molecular compounds. It is important
to follow all of the rules and not to skip steps. Do not go too fast, or guess at names, charges, or
formulas. If you guess incorrectly you may learn or memorize the rules incorrectly. Review the
flowchart in Figure 6 for help differentiating between molecular and ionic compounds.

Figure 6. Flowchart for naming ionic and molecular compounds.
The following tips will help you in the coming Exercises:

1. If there is no metal present in the compound, the compound is likely a molecular compound.
2. One way to distinguish between binary ionic compounds and binary molecular compounds is
to look for a prefix. Molecular compounds use a Greek prefix to indicate the number of each
atom in the compound. Refer to Table 1.

3. When naming ionic compounds (a metal and a nonmetal or polyatomic ion), if the metal ion
has a fixed charge (all metals in Groups IA and IIA, and some metals in Groups IIIB through IIIA),
then the cation is named first. The anion is named second: monatomic ions have the suffix
“-ide,” and polyatomic ions have no suffix.
4. If the metal has a variable charge (most metals in Groups IIIB through IIIA, and all metals in
Groups IVA through VIA), then the ionic compound is named as in step 3, except a Roman
numeral is added in parentheses after the metal name to indicate the charge of the metal ion.
5. When writing the formula for ionic compounds, write the symbol for the cation first, followed
by the anion.
6. EVERY time a compound contains a metal, balance the charges of the compound when writing
the formula.
7. Print or write down the steps on naming ionic and molecular compounds in the Background,
and use them for every example.
8. An aqueous physical state distinguishes binary acids from simple molecular compounds.
9. Double check your work. After you have written the name of a chemical compound, cover the
name and try to write the corresponding formula, and vice versa.
10. Use the note cards that will be created in Exercise 1 for every compound in Exercise 2.
Practicing is the best way to learn how to name chemical compounds and write the corresponding
formulas.
Chemists can have a sense of humor at times when naming molecules. Some of the
more classroom “appropriate” include, Draculin which is a large glycoprotein found
in vampire bat saliva. Penguinone, name from its similarity in 2D structure to a
penguin. The keto acid of moralic acid, isolated from the mora tree, is named moronic
acid with derivatives called moronates, as in “which moron-ate all of the pie?” Traumatic
acid is a plant hormone that causes injured cells to divide and help repair trauma to
the plant. Uranium has resulted in the creation of numerous silly names such as the
uranium oxide anions known as urinates, uranium nitrate which is also known as uranyl
nitrate, and U4+ known as the uranous ion.

Exercise 1: Preparation for Naming Ionic and

Molecular Compounds
In this exercise, you will color the periodic table and prepare note cards to learn common polyatomic
ions and acids. You will also review tips for correctly naming ionic and molecular compounds.
Procedure
1. Print the Periodic Table of Elements.
2. Use colored pencils or photo editing software (i.e. Paint®, Microsoft Powerpoint®, Adobe
Photoshop®) to color the groups of elements referenced in the legend boxes. Each group of
elements should be represented by a unique color.
3. Color the legend boxes with the corresponding color used for each group.
4. Record your name and the date on the table. Then, take a photo of the colored periodic table,
or save it as an image if you use photo editing software.
5. Resize and insert the image into Data Table 1 of your Lab Report Assistant.
6. Write the name, formula, and charge for each of the common polyatomic ions in Table 2 of
the Background onto individual note cards. Polyatomic ions that vary based on oxidation state,
such as sulfate and sulfite, can be included on the same card, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Note card with two polyatomic ions that vary based on oxidation state.
7. Take a photo of a completed note card.

8. Resize and insert the image into Data Table 1.
9. Write the systematic name and formula for each of the strong acids in Table 3 of the Background
on a note card.
10. Take a photo of the completed note card of the common strong acids.


12. Write the name and formula for each of the seven diatomic elements in Table 4 of the
Background on a note card.
13. Take a photo of the completed note card of diatomic elements.
15. Review the note cards (polyatomic ions, strong acids, and diatomic elements) until you are
familiar with the content. You will reference the note cards in the next exercise.

Exercise 2: Naming Ionic and Molecular Compounds

In this exercise, you will practice naming and writing the formula for ionic and molecular compounds.
Procedure
Note: Reference the procedures, figures, and tables in the Background to successfully complete this
Exercise.
Part 1: Molecular and Ionic Compounds
1. View the first formula in Data Table 2 of your Lab Report Assistant.
a. Determine if the compound is molecular or ionic and record in Data Table 2.
b. If the compound is molecular, record the name of the first element with the correct
prefix, followed by the prefix for the second element. Then add -ide to the root of the
second element.
c. If the compound is ionic, determine if the metal ion (cation) has a fixed or variable
charge. Record the name of the cation followed by the root name of the anion with the
suffix “-ide” if the anion is only one type of element, or the full name of the polyatomic
ion. For cations with a variable charge, be sure to include the correct Roman numeral
to record the name of a neutral compound by ensuring the sum of the charges for the
anion and the cation equal 0.
2. Repeat step 1 for the remaining formulas in Data Table 2.
3. View the name for the first compound in Data Table 3 of your Lab Report Assistant.
a. Determine if the compound is molecular or ionic and record in Data Table 3.
b. If the compound is molecular, record the chemical symbol of the first and second
elements. Include the correct number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) given in
the name.
c. If the compound is ionic, determine if the metal ion (cation) has a fixed or variable
charge. Record the chemical symbol of the cation and anion. Be sure to include the
correct number of atoms to record the formula of a neutral compound by ensuring
the sum of the charges for the anion and the cation equal 0.
4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining compounds in Data Table 3.

Part 2: Polyatomic Ions and Acids

5. Record the name of the first ion or compound in Data Table 4 of your Lab Report Assistant.
a. Determine if a cation or hydrogen is present in the compound. For cations with a
variable charge, include the correct Roman numeral to record the name of a neutral
compound by ensuring the sum of the charges for the polyatomic ion and the cation
equal 0.
b. If the compound contains a hydrogen and occurs in its aqueous state, record the
systematic acid name. Binary acids will include “hydro-” to indicate water, followed
by the root of the second element ending with the suffix “-ic” and the word “acid.”
Oxoacids will not include the prefix “hydro” and the suffixes and any prefixes (if
needed) will depend on the anion present in the compound.
c. Determine the corresponding polyatomic ion and change the suffix as necessary.
d. Refer to the note cards created in Exercise 1 for oxidation states, the names of common
polyatomic ions, and suffix changes for acids.
7. Record the chemical formula for the first compound in Data Table 5 of your Lab Report
Assistant.
a. Record the chemical symbol of the first metal ion or hydrogen (if any). Include the
correct number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) given in the name. Include the
physical state to distinguish binary acids from simple molecular compounds.
b. For cations, include the correct number of atoms to record the formula of a neutral
compound by ensuring the sum of the charges for the polyatomic ion and the cation
equal 0.
c. If the compound is an acid, the formula will contain a hydrogen followed by the second
element(s) depending on if it is a binary or an oxoacid.
d. Refer to the note cards created in Exercise 1 for the charges and the formulas of
common polyatomic ions.
Questions
A. Determine the effect of adding H+ to the polyatomic ion phosphate such that it produces a
neutral compound. Indicate the effect on the charge and record the new name.
B. The metals in group IIIA, IVA, and VA of the periodic table are not transition metals. However,
all but 1 have variable charges. What element in Group IIIA, period 3 has a fixed charge, and
what is that charge?
C. Describe the difference between molecular and ionic compounds.

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EXPERIMENT

Naming Ionic and

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Time Allocation: 3 hours

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Figure 1. Periodic Table of Elements. Click to Download Printable Version.

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Naming Molecular Compounds

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Converting a Molecular Compound Formula to a Name

Example 2: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Name: CO

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Converting a Name to a Molecular Compound Formula

Example 4: Writing a Nonmetal + Nonmetal Formula: Diboron Trioxide

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Naming Ionic Compounds

Converting an Ionic Compound Formula to a Name

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7. Name the cation first.

Example 5: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Name: Li2O

Example 6: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Name: Fe2O3

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Converting a Name to an Ionic Compound Formula

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2. Determine if the metal ion has a fixed charge or variable charge.

Example 8: Writing a Metal + Nonmetal Formula: Gold(III) Chloride

gold = Group IB = variable charge = 1+ or 3+

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6. Write the formula of the ionic compound.

nitrite** ion NO2- 1-

nitrate** ion NO3- 1-

sulfite** ion SO32- 2-

sulfate** ion SO42- 2-

hydrogen sulfite** ion HSO3- 1-

hydrogen sulfate** ion HSO4- 1-

carbonate ion CO32- 2-

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Name Formula Charge

phosphate ion PO43- 3-

hydrogen phosphate ion HPO42- 2-

dihydrogen phosphate ion H2PO4- 1-

chlorate** ion ClO3- 1-

perchlorate ion ClO4- 1-

peroxide ion O22- 2-

chromate*** ion CrO42- 2-

dichromate*** ion Cr2O72- 2-

permanganate*** ion MnO4- 1-

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Naming Polyatomic Ion Compounds

Example 10: Writing a Metal + Polyatomic Ion Formula: Gold(I) Nitrate

gold = Group IB = variable charge = 1+ or 3+

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6. Write the formula of the ionic compound.

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Acid Formula Non-metal Present in Acid Systematic Name

Seven Diatomic Elements

Review and Tips

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Figure 6. Flowchart for naming ionic and molecular compounds.