3.5 - Naming and Writing Formulas for Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are named with prefixes; ionic compounds are not. T or F?

True

Unlike ionic compounds, we use prefixes such as ____, ____, and _____ to communicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Mono-, di-, tri-

Mono-

1

Di-

2

Tri-

3

Tetra-

4

Penta-

5

Hexa-

6

Hepta-

7

Octa-

8

Nona-

9

Deca-

10

Molecular Formula

Tells us the actual number of atoms present in a single molecule of a compound.

Some binary molecular compounds are known by trivial, or nonsystematic, names. Such names often bear no direct relation to the compound’s composition. For example, dihydrogen monoxide, H20, is commonly known by its trivial name, _____.

water