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.

Naming Molecular Compounds

Naming molecular compounds is straightforward because we don't have to balance charge. Instead when we name molecular compounds we use prefixes, like mono, di, or tri. These prefixes must be memorized in order to write the names and correctly.

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Rules for Naming Molecular Compounds

  • Write the name for both elements.
  • Change the ending of the second element to ide.
  • Place prefixes in front of each element based on the number of atoms present.
  • The prefix 'mono' is only used on the second non-metal in the chemical formula.
  • There shouldn't be two vowels in a row. For example, when you have 'mono' in front of 'oxide' it is written 'monoxide', not 'monooxide'.

Prefixes

mono di tri tetra penta hexa hepta octa non dec
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10