Naming Binary Ionic Compounds

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Chemistry - Naming Binary Ionic Compounds


A. Chemical Name to Chemical Formula

1. Write down the symbol and charge of cation, then the anion.

2a. The total positive charge has to equal the total negative charge.

2b. Determine the number of each ion to make the charges equal.

3. To get correct chemical formula

Example: Calcium bromide
Step 1 Ca2+ Br1-
Step 2 Need one cation, Ca2+,and two anion, Br1-,Br1-
Step 3 Ca1Br2

More Examples: Magnesium sulfide, Aluminum nitride (Answer: Mg1S1, Al1N1)

B. Chemical Formula to Chemical Name

1. Write down the chemical name for the cation (always first part). (it will be the first word, 1st letter is capitalized).

2. Write down the chemical name for the anion (always second part). (it will be second word, Never Capitalized). Remember for elements that are anions, simply drop ending and add "ide".

Example: Na2O1
Step 1 Sodium
Step 2 Sodium oxide

More Example: Sr1Se1, Li3P1 (Answer: Strontium selenide, Lithium phosphide)


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Last edited January 2, 2015 10:15 am (diff)
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