General Rules for Naming Compounds
Does the compound
involve a metal?
Yes
No
Are both non-metals
the same?
Is the metal a
multivalent metal?
Yes
Write the name of
the metal, write the
Roman Numeral
indicating its charge
(look at the nonmetal/polyatomic
ion charges to figure
out the charge)
Write the name of
the metal
(NO roman
numerals)
It’s a diatomic
element
Is there a
polyatomic ion?
Yes
No
Look up the
polyatomic ion(s)
in the table and
name using
normal metal nonmetal rules
(NO prefixes)
What is the other half
of the compound?
Non-Metal
No
Yes
No
Use the prefix
naming system:
Don’t include
mono for the first
element
Polyatomic Ion
Write the name of
the non-metal
second, but
change the ending
to “ide”
Look up the
polyatomic ion in
the table
Special Case:
If Hydrogen is the
first element – use
acid naming!
Formula Writing
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➢
➢
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Ionic Compounds
Determine the charges on each ion (from either periodic table, or table of polyatomic
ions)
Criss-cross the charges
Reduce if possible
Check your answer