Chemistry: Bonding, Ions, and Nomenclature Fundamentals

Electron Dot Diagrams

Also known as Lewis dot structures. A diagram that shows the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the chemical symbol.

Octet Rule

Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a full outer electron shell, typically containing eight valence electrons.

Cation Formation

A cation is a positively charged ion.

Anion Formation

An anion is a negatively charged ion.

Transition Metal Ion Formation

Transition metals (elements in groups 3-12) often form multiple stable cations (they have variable oxidation states).

Ionic Bond

The electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions (cations and anions).

Ionic Crystal Structure

The orderly, repeating, three-dimensional arrangement of ions in an ionic solid.

Coordination Number

In a crystal lattice, the number of nearest neighbors of opposite charge that surround an ion.

Physical Properties of Ionic Compounds

High Melting and Boiling Points: Due to strong electrostatic forces holding the lattice together.

Metallic Bond

The force of attraction between the positive metal ions (cations) and the surrounding 'sea' of delocalized electrons.

Crystal Structures of Metals

Metals typically form very compact structures.

Alloys

A substance that contains two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and that has metallic properties.

Molecular Formula

A chemical formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a single molecule of a compound.

Empirical Formula

A chemical formula that shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

The Stock System of Nomenclature

Used for naming ionic compounds where the metal cation has more than one possible charge.

Naming Binary Ionic Compounds

Name the metal cation first. Name the nonmetal anion second, changing the ending to '-ide'.

Formulas for Binary Ionic Compounds

The total positive charge must equal the total negative charge, resulting in a neutral compound.

Polyatomic Ions - Naming and Formulas

An ion composed of more than one atom that is covalently bonded, but has an overall net charge.

Ternary Ionic Compounds - Naming and Formulas

Ionic compounds containing three or more elements, typically involving a polyatomic ion.

Binary Molecular Compounds - Naming and Formulas

Compounds formed between two nonmetals (not ions).

Acids - Naming and Formulas

Starts with H (e.g., HCl).

Bases - Naming and Formulas

An ionic compound containing the hydroxide ion (OH^-).