Naming Ionic Compounds

How to Name Ionic Compounds

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How many elements are present in your compound?

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That's not a compound! That's an element! Just name it goofball :).

On to Step 1

Two elements means you have a binary ionic compound. Super easy!

Take me to Step 2!

For example, in NaCl, the metal is Na. Na is sodium, so the first part of the name is SODIUM.

First, you need to name the METAL CATION. It is usually the first element.

Let's Finish It!

In our NaCl example, the nonmetal is Cl, chlorine. Nonmetals get a name mod - change the ending to -ide! So our nonmetal is now CHLORIDE.

Now, name the nonmetal. This is usually the second element.

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For our NaCl example, I now combine SODIUM with CHLORIDE to make SODIUM CHLORIDE. And it is done!!

Now you will combine the METAL and modified NONMETAL names!

Let's start!

Awesome! You have a polyatomic ion present! Luckily, these are just as easy to identify and even easier to name!

Next

The first thing we need to do is identify the polyatomic ion. If you memorized these, then just look for the one you recognize. If you didn't, then you'll need to compare your compound to the polyatomic ion chart to find out which one is there.

Go to Step 2

For example, in NaOH, the metal is Na, which we know is SODIUM from the periodic table.

First, find the POSITIVE ion. This will either be a metal or a positive polyatomic ion. Name it with no changes.

Let's finish!

In our NaOH example, the negative polyatomic ion is HYDROXIDE. Because it poly, we just name it.

Now, identify the nonmetal or negative polyatomic ion. If it's a nonmetal, change the ending to -ide. If it's a polyatomic ion, just name it.

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In our example, we now name the metal followed by the polyatomic ion. So, SODIUM and HYDROXIDE come together to form SODIUM HYDROXIDE.

Now, just bring everything together!