Rate this calculator
0.0
/5
(0 ratings)
Be the first to rate.
Your rating
You can update your rating any time.
Naming Binary Compounds of Nonmetals
General Chemistry • Chemical Compounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you name binary compounds of nonmetals?
Use Greek prefixes to show the number of atoms of each element, and change the second element’s ending to -ide. The order follows the formula, and the second element always has a prefix.
When is mono- omitted in naming covalent compounds?
Mono- is omitted for the first element when its subscript is 1 (for example, CO is carbon monoxide, not monocarbon monoxide). Mono- is still used for the second element when its subscript is 1.
Why is it called monoxide and not monooxide?
This is vowel elision used to avoid double vowels when combining a prefix with oxide. The common form is mono + oxide -> monoxide, and penta + oxide -> pentoxide.
What prefixes are used for subscripts 1 through 10?
The standard set is mono(1), di(2), tri(3), tetra(4), penta(5), hexa(6), hepta(7), octa(8), nona(9), deca(10). These prefixes indicate the atom count from the subscripts.
Does this calculator work for ionic compounds or acids?
No, it is intended for binary molecular (nonmetal + nonmetal) compounds that use the prefix system. Metal-nonmetal ionic compounds and acids follow different naming rules.