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Matter · Elements and compounds

"IUPAC Nomenclature: Simple Substances, Monatomic Ions, and Binary Compounds"

In the school lab, the jar of table salt says NaCl and the jar of milk of magnesia says MgO. Those names are not made up: they follow the same rules all over the world so that any formula can be named without confusion. What are those rules? By the end of the page you will use them to name the salt you put in the sancocho.

Simple Substances

The iron nail and the oxygen in a hospital tank are made of atoms of only one kind. How are they classified and named?

Comparison between iron atoms (Fe), grouped together without forming molecules, and a diatomic oxygen molecule (O₂) with two atoms bonded together, examples of simple substances. Iron Fe Fe Fe iron (Fe): loose atoms each atom is independent Oxygen O O oxygen (O₂): molecule two O atoms bonded

Simple substances made of loose atoms are named the same as the element: iron, helium. If they form molecules, a prefix indicates how many atoms each molecule has: $\text{O}_2$ is dioxygen (or, simply, oxygen), $\text{N}_2$ is dinitrogen (or nitrogen), and $\text{O}_3$ is trioxygen (ozone). The subscript in the formula shows that they form molecules; with no subscript ($\text{Fe}$, $\text{He}$) they are loose atoms.

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The iron in a bridge ($\text{Fe}$) and the carbon dioxide we release when breathing ($\text{CO}2$): one of the two is a simple substance and the other is a compound. The…

The iron in a bridge ($\text{Fe}$) and the carbon dioxide we release when breathing ($\text{CO}_2$): one of the two is a simple substance and the other is a compound. The figure shows their particle models.

Fe Fe Fe Fe Fe Fe iron (Fe) O C O O C O carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Which is which? Explain the difference between the two.

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Oxygen ($\text{O}2$), nitrogen ($\text{N}2$), iron ($\text{Fe}$) and helium ($\text{He}$) are simple substances. Look at their formulas and state which of them form…

Oxygen ($\text{O}_2$), nitrogen ($\text{N}_2$), iron ($\text{Fe}$) and helium ($\text{He}$) are simple substances. Look at their formulas and state which of them form molecules, which are made up of individual atoms and whether any of them fits neither case.

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Monatomic Ions

An atom that gains or loses electrons becomes an ion, and that ion has its own name.

A neutral sodium atom (Na) loses an electron and becomes the sodium ion Na⁺, with a +1 charge. 11p⁺ Na neutral atom e− loses 1 e− 11p⁺ Na⁺ sodium ion, +1 charge
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When a sodium atom loses an electron, it becomes $\text{Na}^+$. The figure shows the process. a) Explain what an ion is. b) Does $\text{Na}^+$ have a positive or a…

When a sodium atom loses an electron, it becomes $\text{Na}^+$. The figure shows the process.

A sodium atom with 11 electrons loses one electron from its outer shell and is left with 10 electrons Na sodium atom loses 1 electron Na⁺ e−
  1. a) Explain what an ion is.
  2. b) Does $\text{Na}^+$ have a positive or a negative charge?
  3. c) What is this ion called?
Solve
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Name these three monatomic ions: $\text{Cl}^-$, $\text{Ca}^{2+}$ and $\text{O}^{2-}$. Hint: positive ions keep the name of the atom (for example, the $\text{Na}^+$ ion…

Name these three monatomic ions: $\text{Cl}^-$, $\text{Ca}^{2+}$ and $\text{O}^{2-}$. Hint: positive ions keep the name of the atom (for example, the $\text{Na}^+$ ion is called sodium ion) and negative ions end in -ide (for example, the $\text{S}^{2-}$ ion is called sulfide ion).

Solve
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In your bones, calcium is present as $\text{Ca}^{2+}$. a) What does that $2+$ mean? b) How many electrons has the calcium atom lost? c) What is this ion called?

In your bones, calcium is present as $\text{Ca}^{2+}$.

  1. a) What does that $2+$ mean?
  2. b) How many electrons has the calcium atom lost?
  3. c) What is this ion called?
Solve

Binary Compounds with Prefixes

A binary compound is made of two elements. A simple way to name it uses Greek prefixes that indicate how many atoms there are of each one.

Models of the molecules of carbon monoxide (one carbon bonded to one oxygen) and carbon dioxide (one carbon between two oxygens, in a straight line). C O CO carbon monoxide O C O CO₂ carbon dioxide
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Many fire extinguishers are filled with $\text{CO}2$ gas. Naming it with Greek prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-) according to the number of oxygen atoms it has, what is the…

Many fire extinguishers are filled with $\text{CO}_2$ gas. Naming it with Greek prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-) according to the number of oxygen atoms it has, what is the name of this gas?

Solve
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Using the prefixes mono-, di- and tri-, write the formula for these two substances: carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. What is the difference between the two molecules?

Using the prefixes mono-, di- and tri-, write the formula for these two substances: carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. What is the difference between the two molecules?

Solve
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When a metal combines with a non-metal, the compound is named by placing the name of the metal first and then the non-metal with the ending -ide. Apply the rule and name…

When a metal combines with a non-metal, the compound is named by placing the name of the metal first and then the non-metal with the ending -ide. Apply the rule and name table salt, $\text{NaCl}$, as well as the compound $\text{CaS}$.

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Compounds of oxygen with another element are called oxides and are named "[element] oxide". Milk of magnesia from pharmacies contains $\text{MgO}$: name it. Also name…

Compounds of oxygen with another element are called oxides and are named "[element] oxide". Milk of magnesia from pharmacies contains $\text{MgO}$: name it. Also name the compound $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$.

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When hydrogen combines with a metal, the compound is called a hydride. Name these two compounds: $\text{NaH}$ and $\text{CaH}2$.

When hydrogen combines with a metal, the compound is called a hydride. Name these two compounds: $\text{NaH}$ and $\text{CaH}_2$.

Solve

Valences and Stock Nomenclature

Some metals, like iron, form more than one ion ($\text{Fe}^{2+}$ or $\text{Fe}^{3+}$). You have to say which valence they use in each compound.

Two iron oxides: FeO, with one Fe²⁺ ion for each oxide ion, and Fe₂O₃, with two Fe³⁺ ions and three oxide ions; the valence is written in Roman numerals. FeO Fe₂O₃ O²⁻ Fe²⁺ O²⁻ Fe³⁺ O²⁻ Fe³⁺ O²⁻ iron(II) oxide iron(III) oxide valence 2 → (II) valence 3 → (III)
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The reddish oxide that appears on an old bicycle is $\text{Fe}2\text{O}3$, and in it iron has a valency of $3$. Name it in both ways: using the prefixes mono-, di-, tri-…

The reddish oxide that appears on an old bicycle is $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$, and in it iron has a valency of $3$. Name it in both ways: using the prefixes mono-, di-, tri- and using the valency of iron written in brackets in Roman numerals.

Solve
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Troilite, a mineral found in many meteorites, has the formula $\text{FeS}$, and in it iron has a valency of $2$. a) Name it using Stock nomenclature (the valency in…

Troilite, a mineral found in many meteorites, has the formula $\text{FeS}$, and in it iron has a valency of $2$.

  1. a) Name it using Stock nomenclature (the valency in brackets and in Roman numerals).
  2. b) Also name it using prefixes.
Solve
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Iron can form two different ions: $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ and $\text{Fe}^{3+}$. a) Write the formula of iron(II) oxide, formed by $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ and $\text{O}^{2-}$. b) Write…

Iron can form two different ions: $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ and $\text{Fe}^{3+}$.

  1. a) Write the formula of iron(II) oxide, formed by $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ and $\text{O}^{2-}$.
  2. b) Write the formula of iron(III) oxide.
  3. c) Name both oxides using prefixes.
Solve

From Formula to Name and Back

Table salt is made of positive and negative ions, but a salt shaker doesn't give you a shock. Why not? Because the ions combine so that the total charge is zero.

Charge balancing between two Al³⁺ ions and three O²⁻ ions to obtain the neutral formula Al₂O₃. Al³⁺ Al³⁺ O²⁻ O²⁻ O²⁻ +6 and −6 cancel: Al₂O₃

Charges can also be predicted from the periodic table: elements in group 1 form $1+$ ions, those in group 2 form $2+$, those in group 16 form $2-$, and those in group 17 form $1-$. That is why $\text{NaCl}$ exists and $\text{NaCl}_2$ does not: $+1$ and $-2$ don't add up to zero.

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Fluorite, a colourful mineral, is $\text{CaF}2$. a) Name this compound (remember the ending -ide). b) Now in reverse: write the formula of sodium sulfide, which has two…

Fluorite, a colourful mineral, is $\text{CaF}_2$.

  1. a) Name this compound (remember the ending -ide).
  2. b) Now in reverse: write the formula of sodium sulfide, which has two sodium atoms for every sulfur atom.
Solve
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Common salt is made up of $\text{Na}^+$ ions and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions arranged in a lattice. The figure shows a section of that lattice. a) Explain why the same number of…

Common salt is made up of $\text{Na}^+$ ions and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions arranged in a lattice. The figure shows a section of that lattice.

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Na+ Cl−
  1. a) Explain why the same number of ions of each type is needed for the salt to be neutral.
  2. b) Write the formula of the salt and reason why it cannot be $\text{Na}_2\text{Cl}$.
Solve
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Aluminum always forms the $\text{Al}^{3+}$ ion and oxygen forms the $\text{O}^{2-}$ ion. a) Work out how many ions of each type are needed for the total charge of…

Aluminum always forms the $\text{Al}^{3+}$ ion and oxygen forms the $\text{O}^{2-}$ ion.

  1. a) Work out how many ions of each type are needed for the total charge of aluminum oxide to be zero.
  2. b) Write the formula of aluminum oxide.
Solve
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Calcium forms the $\text{Ca}^{2+}$ ion and fluorine forms the $\text{F}^-$ ion. a) Reason how many fluoride ions are needed for each calcium ion for the total charge to…

Calcium forms the $\text{Ca}^{2+}$ ion and fluorine forms the $\text{F}^-$ ion.

  1. a) Reason how many fluoride ions are needed for each calcium ion for the total charge to be zero.
  2. b) Write the formula of calcium fluoride.
  3. c) Also name it using prefixes.
Solve
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In nature, the salts $\text{NaCl}$ and $\text{CaCl}2$ exist, but a $\text{NaCl}2$ salt has never been found. Use the charges of the ions $\text{Na}^+$, $\text{Ca}^{2+}$…

In nature, the salts $\text{NaCl}$ and $\text{CaCl}_2$ exist, but a $\text{NaCl}_2$ salt has never been found. Use the charges of the ions $\text{Na}^+$, $\text{Ca}^{2+}$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ to justify why the formula $\text{NaCl}_2$ is impossible and the other two can exist.

Solve
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Magnesium is in group $2$ of the periodic table, just like calcium, and chlorine is in group $17$, just like fluorine. a) Predict which ion magnesium will form and which…

Magnesium is in group $2$ of the periodic table, just like calcium, and chlorine is in group $17$, just like fluorine.

  1. a) Predict which ion magnesium will form and which chlorine will form.
  2. b) Write the formula of magnesium chloride.
  3. c) Explain where you obtained the charges you used.
Solve

Classifying and Correcting Names

Now we put it all together: given a formula, first decide whether it is a simple substance (a single element), an oxide (with O), a hydride (with H and a metal), or a binary salt (metal and nonmetal). Then apply the naming rule.

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Match each formula to its correct name: a) $\text{Na}2\text{O}$ b) $\text{CO}2$ c) $\text{FeS}$ d) $\text{CaF}2$ 1) iron(II) sulfide 2) carbon dioxide 3) calcium…

Match each formula to its correct name:

  1. a) $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$
  2. b) $\text{CO}_2$
  3. c) $\text{FeS}$
  4. d) $\text{CaF}_2$

1) iron(II) sulfide

2) carbon dioxide

3) calcium fluoride

4) sodium oxide

Solve
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Classify each substance as a simple substance, oxide, hydride or binary salt, and write its name: a) $\text{O}2$ b) $\text{Na}2\text{O}$ c) $\text{CaH}2$ d) $\text{FeS}$…

Classify each substance as a simple substance, oxide, hydride or binary salt, and write its name:

  1. a) $\text{O}_2$
  2. b) $\text{Na}_2\text{O}$
  3. c) $\text{CaH}_2$
  4. d) $\text{FeS}$
  5. e) $\text{N}_2$
  6. f) $\text{MgO}$
Solve
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In her exam, Amina wrote these names. Correct each one and explain the mistake she made: a) $\text{NaCl}$: "sodium chlorine" b) $\text{Fe}2\text{O}3$: "iron(II) oxide"…

In her exam, Amina wrote these names. Correct each one and explain the mistake she made:

  1. a) $\text{NaCl}$: "sodium chlorine"
  2. b) $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$: "iron(II) oxide"
  3. c) $\text{CO}_2$: "carbon monoxide"
Solve
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The prefixes mono-, di-, tri- indicate how many atoms of each element are in the formula. a) Write the formula of dialuminium trioxide. b) Write the formula of carbon…

The prefixes mono-, di-, tri- indicate how many atoms of each element are in the formula.

  1. a) Write the formula of dialuminium trioxide.
  2. b) Write the formula of carbon monoxide.
  3. c) Dialuminium trioxide is also called, simply, aluminum oxide. Knowing that aluminum only forms the $\text{Al}^{3+}$ ion, reason why in this case the prefixes can be omitted without causing confusion.
Solve
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In the storeroom of a cleaning products factory there are three jars labelled as $\text{NaF}$, $\text{CaCl}2$ and "zinc oxide". a) Name the compounds $\text{NaF}$ and…

In the storeroom of a cleaning products factory there are three jars labelled as $\text{NaF}$, $\text{CaCl}_2$ and "zinc oxide".

  1. a) Name the compounds $\text{NaF}$ and $\text{CaCl}_2$.
  2. b) Write the formula of zinc oxide knowing that zinc forms the $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ ion and oxygen the $\text{O}^{2-}$ ion.
  3. c) Justify using the charges of the ions why that oxide cannot have the formula $\text{Zn}_2\text{O}$.
Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section