Nomenclature of Ionic and Covalent Compounds

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing the naming conventions for ionic and covalent compounds, Greek prefixes, and common polyatomic ions.

Salt

Another word for an ionic compound.

General Form of Ionic Compounds

Represented as $A_x B_y$, where $A$ is a cation in group I, II, or III of the Periodic Table, $B$ is an anion in group V, VI, or VII, and $x$ and $y$ are the numbers of each atom chosen so that the charges balance.

Covalent Compound Nomenclature Rules

For a covalent formula $A_x B_y$, atom $A$ is named with its element name and a prefix like "di-", "tri-", "tetra-", etc., while atom $B$ is named with a prefix, its element root, and the suffix "-ide".

Prefix "mono-" Rule

The prefix "mono-" is used ONLY for the second atom ($B$) in a covalent compound.

Carbon disulfide

A covalent compound with the molecular formula $CS_2$.

Sulfur Hexafluoride

A covalent compound with the molecular formula $SF_6$.

Nitrate

A polyatomic anion with the formula $NO_3^-$.

Nitrite

A polyatomic anion with the formula $NO_2^-$.

Sulfate

A polyatomic anion with the formula $SO_4^{2-}$.

Sulfite

A polyatomic anion with the formula $SO_3^{2-}$.

Phosphate

A polyatomic anion with the formula $PO_4^{3-}$.

Phosphite

A polyatomic anion with the formula $PO_3^{3-}$.

Carbonate

A polyatomic anion with the formula $CO_3^{2-}$.

Ammonium

A polyatomic cation with the formula $NH_4^+$.

"-ate" vs "-ite" Anion Rule

Anions with the "-ate" ending have one more oxygen atom than similar anions with the "-ite" ending.

Numerical Prefixes for Covalent Compounds

mono- (1), di- (2), tri- (3), tetra- (4), penta- (5), hexa- (6), hepta- (7), octa- (8), nona- (9), deca- (10).

Barium iodide

An ionic compound formed by $Ba^{2+}$ and two $I^-$ ions to balance the charge, resulting in the chemical formula $BaI_2$.