Chemical Nomenclature
Currently, the most common system that is being used to for most chemicals is the IUPAC system, otherwise known as the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. This system can be used to name:
-> ions
-> binary ionic
-> polyatomic ions
-> molecular compounds
-> hydrates
-> acids & bases
Chemical Formula
In order to write a chemical formula, you would have to be aware of the differences between ion and compound formulas.
EXAMPLE: The picture above shows examples of ions. Ions have either a negative or a positive charge. If they have a positive charge, they are called CATIONS and if they have a negative charge, they are called ANIONS.
EXAMPLE: The chart above has examples of compounds. They show what elements are there and how many of each exist.
Multivalent Ions
Important ideas to keep in mind with multivalent ions are:
1. Some elements can form more than one ion
2. IUPAC uses roman numerals in parenthesis to show charge
3. Classical systems consisting of Latin names & suffixes may be used:
-> The suffix "ic" is added at the end to represent the larger charge
-> The suffix "ous" is added at the end to represent the smaller charge
-> Classical names used for certain elements are:
-Ferr = Iron
-Cupp = Copper
-Mercur = Mercury
-Stann = Tin
-Aunn = Gold
-Plumb = Lead
EXAMPLE: The picture above is an example of how certain suffixes or names are subbed in to the formula.
Hydrates
Hydrates are compounds that include H2O. These compounds form lattices that bong to water molecules and when heated, the H2O can be released.
In order to name hydrates, you must:
1. Write out the chemical formula.
2. Add prefixes indicating the number of water (H2O) molecules exist.
3. Add the hydrate (H2O) after the prefix.
EXAMPLE: COPPER (II) SULPHATE PENTAHYDRATE -> Cu (SO4) x 5H2O
LITHIUM PERCHLORATE TRIHYDRATE -> Li(ClO4) x 3H2O
Molecular Compounds
These can be created by adding prefixes to the elements to indicate how many of each element exists in the formula. As for a suffix for the latter part of the formula, you can add "ide".
EXAMPLE: DiNitrogen TetraOxide -> N2O4
TetraPhosphorous DecaOxide -> 3P10O
Naming Acids & Bases
Hydrogen compounds are ACIDS:
-> HCl = Hydrochloric Acid*
-> CH3COOH = Acetic Acid* (Vinegar)
*Take note of hydrogen and the endings,
Hydroxide (OH) compounds that include cations are BASES:
-> NaOH = Sodium Hydroxide*
-> Ba(OH)2 = Barium Hydroxide*
*Take note of the hydroxide ion.
Naming Ionic Compounds Video: