Ionic Compound Nomenclature

ObjectivesDetermine the name of ionic compounds from their formula

Determine the correct formula of ionic compounds from their name

Nomenclature

Means giving names to things

Every compound has a unique

name that distinguishes from

other compounds

Example: BF3 & BaF2

Boron trifluoride & Barium fluoride

Rules for Naming Ionic Compounds

1. Find the name of the first element (cation) from your periodic table or ion sheet

2. Find the name of the second element or polyatomic ion from your ion sheet

The second element (anion) always changes its name

Naming Ionic Compounds

Practice1. MgBr2

2. Rb2O

3. Li3N

4. K2SO4

5. Na2CO3

Transition MetalsSome cations must show their charge

How would we name FeO & Fe2O3?

Iron oxideTransition metals can form more than one

type of cationWe must use Roman numerals to

distinguish them

Example: Iron (II) oxide & Iron (III)

oxide

Practice1. Cr(OH)3

2. CuSO4

3. Pb3(PO4)2

4. FeCl3

5. AgNO3

Writing Formulas for Ionic Compounds

Step 1: Write down the symbols that match the ions

Step 2: Determine the charge of each oneStep 3: Find the least common multiple of

the ions’ charges.Step 4: Write the chemical formula,

indicating with subscripts how many of each ion are needed to make a neutral compound.

*use parentheses when you have more than one polyatomic ion

Practice1. Lithium oxide

2. Potassium chloride

3. Titanium (III) nitride

4. Cobalt (III) hydroxide

5. Copper (I) sulfate

6. Aluminum phosphate