Ionic Names and Formulas

Ionic Formulas for Binary Compounds

Find the metal and nonmetal in the periodic chart. For "A group" elements the type of ion formed is given in the table below.
Group #IAIIAIIIA...IVAVAVIAVIIAVIIIA
#e in OEL
(Bohr Orbit)		12345678
Ion Charge+1+2+3+/-4-3-2-10
Li+Be2+B3+C4+/-N3-O2-F-Ne
IonsNa+Mg2+Al3+Si4+/-P3-S2-Cl-Ar
K+Ca2+Ga3+Ge4+/-As3-Se2-Br-Kr
........................

Put ions together in compounds such that the total "+" charges = total "-" charges.

Examples:
Sodium NitrideNa3N
Potassium OxideK2O
Aluminum FluorideAlF3
Calcium Nitride Ca3N2
Aluminum SulfideAl2S3



Naming Procedure

To name binary salts of metal and nonmetal use:

name of metal + name of nonmetal prefix + ide

Examples:
Sodium ChlorideNaCl
Lithium SulfideLi2S
Barium Nitride Ba3N2
Boron SulfideB2S3



Polyatomic Ions

+1 Charged-3 Charged-2 Charged-1 Charged
Ammonium
NH4+		Phosphate
PO43-		Chromate
CrO42-		Acetate
C2H3O2-
Carbonate
CO32-		Bicarbonate
HCO3-
Sulfate
SO42-		Hydroxide
OH-
Nitrate
NO3-
Nitrite
NO2-


Put simple ions and polyatmic ions together in compounds such that the total "+" charges = total "-" charges.

Examples:


Ammonium Sulfate(NH4)2SO4
Sodium AcetateNaC2H3O2
Potassium SulfateK2SO4
Aluminum CarbonateAl2(CO3)3
Calcium PhosphateCa3(PO4)2



To name compounds with polyatomic ions use:

Name metal(or ammonium) + polyatomic name

Examples:
Ammonium ChlorideNH4Cl
Calcium AcetateCa(C2H3O2)2
Sodium PhosphateNa3PO4
Aluminum ChromateAl2(CrO4)3



Metals with Multiple Valences

To names compounds with metals that may have multiple valences:
Use Roman numeral to indicate charge on metal ion:

Examples:
Iron(II) AcetateFe(C2H3O2)2
Iron(III) AcetateFe(C2H3O2)3
Lead(II) PhosphatePb3(PO4)2
Lead(IV) PhosphatePb3(PO4)4
Tin(II) FluorideSnF2
Tin(IV) FluorideSnF4