Nomenclature Task List
01-24-25
Below is a crib sheet for what you must know from the Chemical Nomenclature notes. Memorize the naming rules. Specific memorization of things are indicated explicitly.
Naming covalent compunds
Covalent compounds = molecules
- Homogeneous polyatomics
- Compounds with common names
- Binary compounds starting with hydrogen
- Other binary compounds (memorize prefixes 1-12)
Elements in binary molecular compounds are listed in the following order: bottom-left first and top-right last.
Naming ions
- Monatomic ions, multivalent metals, and the three “invariant” metals
- Polyatomic ions (memorize list)
- Oxyanions
Ionic compounds
- For multivalent transition metals, oxidation state (which is equal to charge) is indicated with Roman numerals in parentheses.
- For the three “invariant” transition metals (Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ag+), no Roman numerals are used.
Invariant metals:
- Cd2+
- Zn2+
- Ag+
Examples with invariant:
- ZnBr2 is zinc bromide (not zinc(II)bromide)
- AgCl is silver chloride (not silver(I) chloride)
Hydrates
- Hydrates - compounds with explicit waters attached
Simple organic compounds
Prefixes are used to indicate number of carbon atoms present.
- Alkanes (memorize 1-12)
- Contains only C and H
- Alcohols (memorize 1-12)
- Contains C and H and O (look for –OH group)
- Carboxylic acids (memorize 1-12)
- Contains C and H and O (look for –COOH group)
Acids and Bases
Acids that are not carboxylic acids are indicated with an (aq) phase label.
Example: HCl is hydrogen chloride but HCl(aq) is hydrochloric acid
- Memorize strong/weak acids and bases