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...from formulas to names. I will take you step by step in naming Ionic compounds. But first, what is an Ion? For one thing, it is when an atom has a net electric charge, either gaining a positive or a negative charge.. Whereas an Ionic compound consists of a positive metal that gives electrons and a negative non-metal that takes them.

 

Steps in Naming BINARY Ionic compounds:  

 

1. Let us use the compound AlCl.The first element should be named. 

(E.g. Al= Aluminum) 

 

2. Then identify the second element but change the ending to "-ide"

(E.g. Cl= Chlorine ---> Chloride)

 

>>Thus getting Aluminum chloride.

 

Steps in Naming TERNARY Ionic compounds:

 

1. Select a specific metal. In this case, we'll use Na.

--> Na=Sodium

 

2. Now, pick an Anion. [Anion means a negatively charged ion]

--> CN= Cyanide

 

Note: In naming ternary compounds you DO NOT need to change the ending of the anion to "-ide".

Example: Nitrite does not become Nitride because those two have different charges.

 

>>Combining the two, we get Sodium Cyanide

 

Steps in Naming POLYATOMIC Ionic compounds:

 

1. It is basically the same as  naming Ternary ionic compounds--- the only difference is that polyatomic elements have different charges that can be used such as Lead.

-->Lead has two charges: Pb4+ and Pb2+.  Using Pb2+ as an example, it is written as Lead (II).

 

2. Now choose a non-metal (halogens not included) like Oxygen.

 

>>Put them together and we'll get Lead (II) Oxide.

>>It could be also be written as Plumbous Oxide..

 

Note: In naming elements like Lead in polyatomic form, change the end to "-ic" if the numerical is higher. While, "-ous" if lower. (Hence the name Plumb-ous, derived from the element's greek name Plumbum and the lower numerical II) 

 

Other examples: Fe2+= Ferrous   Fe3+= Ferric    Fe= Ferrum

                           Au1+= Aurous     Au3+=Auric     Au=Aurum