Ionic Nomenclature

What is ionic nomenclature?

The system of naming ionic compounds.

What is the general rule for naming binary ionic compounds?

Name the cation (metal) first, then the anion (nonmetal) with an “-ide” suffix.

How are transition metals indicated in ionic names?

With Roman numerals to denote their charge (e.g., Iron(III) chloride).

What are polyatomic ions?

Ions composed of more than one atom that act as a single charged unit.

How are compounds containing polyatomic ions named?

Name the cation first, then the name of the polyatomic ion without changing it.

Give an example of a compound with a polyatomic ion.

NaNO₃ = Sodium nitrate.

What does the suffix “-ite” vs. “-ate” indicate in polyatomic ions?

“-ate” indicates more oxygen atoms than “-ite”.

How are hydrates named?

Name the compound followed by a prefix + "hydrate" to indicate number of water molecules (e.g., CuSO₄·5H₂O = copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate).

What are common polyatomic ions?

Examples include:

• Nitrate (NO₃⁻),

• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻),

• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻),

• Hydroxide (OH⁻),

• Ammonium (NH₄⁺).

What is the Stock system in ionic nomenclature?

A method using Roman numerals to indicate the charge of cations with multiple oxidation states.