Resources

Learning to Name and Write Formulas:

- Determining the type of compound you are working with.

- Applying the rules for naming or formula writing for that type of compound.

- Practicing until it becomes second nature.

How to Name Binary Ionic Compounds

Binary ionic compounds are made up of a metal bonded to a non-metal. You'll need to make sure you can quickly tell the type of chemical compound.

• Name the metal (the first element) as it appears on the Periodic Table.
• K⁺ = Potassium     Ca²⁺ = Calcium     Al³⁺ = Aluminum


• For the non-metal (the second element in the formula) write the name as it appears on the Periodic Table and then replace the ending with ide.
• MgCl₂ = Magnesium chlorine = Magnesium chloride
• AlP = Aluminum phosphorus = Aluminum phosphide
• K₂O = Potassium oxygen = Potassium oxide