Naming Covalents

Rule 1 for naming simple covalent compounds

Name the non-metal furthest to the left on the periodic table by its elemental name.

Rule 2 for naming simple covalent compounds

Name the other non-metal by its elemental name and add an -ide ending.

Rule 3 for naming simple covalent compounds

Use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-) to indicate the number of that element in the molecule.

Rule 4 for naming simple covalent compounds

If mono is the first prefix, it is understood and not written.