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

Elements in binary molecular compounds are listed in the following order: bottom-left first and top-right last.

Naming ions

Ionic compounds

  1. For multivalent transition metals, oxidation state (which is equal to charge) is indicated with Roman numerals in parentheses.
  2. 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