Naming Binary Covalent Compounds

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, numerical prefixes, nonmetal roots, naming rules, and special hydrogen compound names from the binary covalent compounds lecture.

Binary Covalent Compound

A chemical compound made up of two different nonmetal elements.

Prefixes Used in Naming Binary Covalent Compounds

Numerical prefixes used to indicate the number of atoms (1 through 10) present in binary covalent molecules.

Mon(o)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 1 atom. The final o is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Di-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 2 atoms.

Tri-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 3 atoms.

Tetr(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 4 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Pent(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 5 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Hex(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 6 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Hept(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 7 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Oct(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 8 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Non(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 9 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Dec(a)-

The prefix used in binary covalent nomenclature to represent 10 atoms. The final a is usually dropped when the element name begins with o.

Nonmetal Roots

Modified core names of nonmetals combined with the suffix -ide when naming the second nonmetal in a binary covalent compound.

Naming Binary Covalent Compounds

A systematic method where the first nonmetal is named as prefix + element name (omitting mono- for single atoms) and the second nonmetal is named as prefix + root + -ide.

Ammonia

The special common name for the non-acidic binary hydrogen compound $NH_3$.

Phosphine

The special common name for the binary hydrogen compound $PH_3$.

Arsine

The special common name for the binary hydrogen compound $AsH_3$.

Dinitrogen Monoxide

The binary covalent compound with the formula $N_2O$.

Dinitrogen Pentoxide

The binary covalent compound with the formula $N_2O_5$.

Diboron Trioxide

The binary covalent compound with the formula $B_2O_3$.

Silicon Tetrachloride

The binary covalent compound formed by one silicon atom and four chlorine atoms ($SiCl_4$).

Sulfur Trioxide

The binary covalent compound formed by one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms ($SO_3$).