naming conventions / basics

diatomic molecules

H2, N2, F2, O2, I2, Cl2, Br2

ionic compound

• metal and non metal

• neutral charge

• name cation first (which is usually the metal)

elements that form more than 1 cation

include roman numeral to indicate the charge

ex. Fe2+ = iron (II)

naming monatomic cations

element + ion

ex. Na+ = sodium ion

naming anions

element’s suffix → ide + ion

ex. Cl- = chlorine ion

naming anions with one oxoanion

ex. CO₃²⁻ = carbonate ion

naming anions with more than one oxoanion

• per - ate

• ate

• ite

• hypo - ite

• greatest amount of oxygen or least

prefix for one atom

mono-, ex. monoxide

prefix for 2 atoms

di-, ex. dioxide

prefix for 3 atoms

tri-

prefix for 4 atoms

tetra-

prefix for 5 atoms

penta-

prefix for 6 atoms

hexa-

prefix for 7 atoms

hepta-

prefix for 8 atoms

octa-

prefix for 9 atoms

nona-

prefix for 10 atoms

deca-