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Naming Binary Compounds of Metals and Nonmetals
General Chemistry • Chemical Compounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I name a binary ionic compound from its formula?
Write the metal name first, then write the nonmetal as an -ide anion (such as chloride or oxide). If the metal can form more than one charge, include a Roman numeral to show the oxidation state.
How does the calculator find the metal oxidation state in FeCl3?
Chloride has charge -1, and there are 3 chlorides, so the total negative charge is -3. To make the compound neutral, iron must be +3, giving the name iron(III) chloride.
When should the Roman numeral be omitted in ionic compound names?
Omit the Roman numeral when the metal has a fixed charge, such as Group 1 (+1), Group 2 (+2), Al(3+), Zn(2+), and Ag(1+). For these metals, the oxidation state is already implied.
What does the -ide ending mean in names like chloride or sulfide?
The -ide ending indicates a monatomic anion formed from a nonmetal element. The anion name is based on the element root (chlor- for chlorine, sulf- for sulfur) plus -ide.
Does this calculator work for compounds with polyatomic ions?
No, it is designed for binary ionic compounds made from a metal and a single nonmetal element. Compounds containing polyatomic ions require a different naming approach.