Introductory Chemistry (X11)

Naming chemicals. Page 3

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This page is the final answer sheet for the "Naming chemicals" worksheet. Before naming them, you should already have classified them by type. Now you have named them, and can use this page to check the names you gave. The table below gives the correct names, with explanations.

Types of compounds (for deciding how to name them):

1. Ionic, with "predictable" cation. (Name: just name the cation and the anion.)
2. Ionic, with "unpredictable" cation. (Name: As above, but include the cation charge = oxidation number, as a roman numeral.) (Don't worry about the "old system" -- using -ous and -ic suffixes.)
3. Covalent (two non-metals). (Name: Use Greek prefixes to show how many of each atom.)

question
number
formula        type name explanation for name
1 NaF 1 sodium fluoride For type 1, just name the ions. Remember that monatomic anions end in -ide.
2 CuF 2 copper(I) fluoride Once you have identified the compound as Type 2 (unpredictable cation), you need to figure out the cation charge, and include it in the name. You know from PT that fluoride ion is 1-. Therefore the copper must be 1+ here. Name the ions, and include the ion charge (oxidation state) for the metal ion, using Roman numerals in parentheses. Emphasize: The (I) in the name directly reflects the charge on the copper ion.
3 CuF2 2 copper(II) fluoride Follow same logic as in #2. Here the Cu must be 2+, so the name starts with copper(II).
4 CuS 2 copper(II) sulfide Again, same logic. You know that sulfide ion is 2-, so this copper must be 2+. Since the Cu is 2+, the name starts with copper(II). Important: the Roman numeral describes the cation charge (oxidation state).
5 Cu(NO3)2 2 copper(II) nitrate Nitrate is a common ion, which you should know (or look it up). Its charge is 1-. Therefore, this Cu must be 2+.
6 ClO2 3 chlorine dioxide For type 3, name the elements, with the second one ending in -ide. Tell how many of each, using Greek prefixes. ("Monochlorine" is ok, but the leading "mono" is usually omitted.)
7 Cl2O 3 dichlorine monoxide For type 3, name the elements, with the second one ending in -ide. Tell how many of each, using Greek prefixes. (The "mono" with "oxide" is helpful, but is understood if omitted.)
8 N2S5 3 dinitrogen pentasulfide For type 3, name the elements, with the second one ending in -ide. Tell how many of each, using Greek prefixes.
9 CaSO4 1 calcium sulfate For type 1, just name the ions.
10 FeSO4 2 iron(II) sulfate Similar to #5. Sulfate is a common ion, with charge 2-. Therefore, this Fe must be 2+, and therefore the name starts with iron(II).
11 Fe2(SO4)3 2 iron(III) sulfate Following from #10... this Fe must be 3+.
12 (NH4)2SO4 1 ammonium sulfate For type 1, just name the ions. Both ions here are common polyatomic ions, which you should know.

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The pages of "Naming chemicals":
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
Introduction, and the questions Answers for "type of compound" Answers for "name of compound"
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Chemistry practice problems. Includes link to the Naming Chemicals handout, under Self-help worksheets. Also includes Practice quizzes, Sample tests, Homework.

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Last update: June 5, 2019