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General
Chemistry 1 11
General Chemistry 1 – Grade 11
Quarter 1 – Module 8: Naming Covalent Compounds
First Edition, 2020

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 General
Chemistry 1 11
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 8
Naming Covalent Compounds
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module 8 on Naming Covalent

Compounds

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module 8 on Naming Covalent

Compounds

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest – This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

The module is about chemical formulas, structural formulas, and models of

covalent compounds. After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. name covalent/molecular compounds, acids, and bases given their formulas and
vice versa;
2. enumerate some common names of covalent compounds; and
3. recognize the importance of covalent compounds in daily life.

PRETEST

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. Mg(OH)2 is a common component of antacids, such as milk of magnesia, as well

as laxatives. What is the correct name of this compound?
A. Magnesium dihydroxide B. Monomagnesium dihydroxide
C. Monomagnesium hydroxide D. Magnesium hydroxide

2. Which of the following is the correct name of NH3, a colorless gas with a
characteristic pungent smell?
A. Ammonia B. Ammonium
C. Mononitrogen trihydride D. Nitrogen trihydride

3. Which of the following is the correct Greek prefix for 10 atoms?

A. mono B. nano C. deca D. hexa

4. In naming ternary acids, the anion “-ite” suffix becomes an _____ suffix in the acid.
A. -ous B. -ic C. C. -ide D. -ate

5. What compound makes use of the prefix hydro- to replace the word “hydrogen”
and modifies the anion’s name by adding the suffix –ic for its chemical
nomenclature?
A. base B. ternary acid
C. ionic D. binary acid
 RECAP

In our last lesson, you have learned the ways of representing covalent
compounds using chemical formulas and structural formulas. Can you still recall
some of the concepts related to these? Try completing the statements below. Write
your answers in your notebook.

1. __________ compounds often exist as gases, low-boiling liquids, or low-melting

solids under normal conditions.

2. The Greek prefix for seven atoms is __________.

3. Many __________ release hydrogen ions, H+, when dissolved in water and they
change blue litmus paper to red.
4. Based on the rules of writing chemical formulas for ternary acids, HClO 2 must
have a name of _______________.
5. The _______________ of a covalent/molecular compound gives the same information
as its molecular formula but also shows how the atoms are connected in the
molecule.
It is nice to know that you can still remember the lesson about sub-atomic
particles.

LESSON

Try making a Venn diagram comparing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
in your notebook.
 Possible answers are:

Carbon monoxide: CO Carbon dioxide: CO2

One oxygen Have carbon Two oxygen
Prefix-mono and oxygen Prefix-di
Poisonous Gas We breathe it in
and out
Covalent

Why is it important to know the difference between carbon monoxide and

carbon dioxide? How do the names and formulas help us determine this difference?

Because these two gases have different properties, one is poisonous and
plants need the other for food-making (photosynthesis). The prefixes in the name as
well as the subscript in the formula indicate the number of each type of atom.

The bonding characteristics of covalent/molecular compounds are different

from ionic compounds, since they consist solely of discrete, neutral molecules that
share electrons and, thus, they are named using a different system as well. The
charges of cations and anions dictate their ratios in ionic compounds, so specifying
the names of the ions provides sufficient information to determine chemical
formulas. However, because covalent bonding allows for significant variation in the
combination ratios of the atoms in a molecule, the names for molecular compounds
must explicitly identify these ratios.

BINARY COVALENT/MOLECULAR COMPOUNDS – compounds that contain only

two elements. Because of these, they are named using a procedure similar to that
used for simple ionic compounds, but prefixes are added as needed to indicate the
number of atoms of each kind. The procedure, shown in the diagram in Figure 1
consists of the following steps:

Figure 1. Rules in Naming Covalent Compounds

Source: Chemistry LibreTexts
 ❖ STEPS IN NAMING FORMULAS OF BINARY COVALENT COMPOUNDS
1. Place the elements in their proper order.
a) The element farthest to the left in the periodic table is usually named first.
If both elements are in the same group, the element closer to the bottom of
the column is named first.
b) The second element is named as if it were a monatomic anion in an ionic
compound (even though it is not), with the suffix -ide attached to the root of
the element name.
2. Identify the number of each type of atom present.
a) Prefixes derived from Greek stems are used to indicate the number of each
type of atom in the formula unit (Refer to Table 1. Numerical Prefixes for
Binary Covalent Compounds found in SLM 7). The prefix mono- (“one”) is used
only when absolutely necessary to avoid confusion, just as the subscript 1 is
omitted when writing molecular formulas.
❖ Examples: To demonstrate steps 1 and 2a, PCl5 is phosphorus pentachloride.
The order of the elements in the name of BrF3, bromine trifluoride, is
determined by the fact that bromine lies below fluorine in Group 7A.

b) If a molecule contains more than one atom of both elements, then prefixes
are used for both. Thus N2O3 is dinitrogen trioxide.

c) In some names, the final a or o of the prefix is dropped to avoid awkward

pronunciation. Thus OsO4 is osmium tetroxide rather than osmium
tetraoxide.

3. Write the name of the compound.

a) Binary compounds of the elements with oxygen are generally named as
“element oxide,” with prefixes that indicate the number of atoms of each
element per formula unit.

❖ Examples: CO is carbon monoxide while N2O5 is dinitrogen pentoxide.

The only exception is binary compounds of oxygen with fluorine, which are
named as oxygen fluorides. (The reasons for this convention will become clear
in later Self Learning Modules.)

b) Certain compounds are always called by the common names that were
assigned before formulas were used.

❖ Examples: H2O is water (not dihydrogen monoxide); NH3 is ammonia; PH3 is

phosphine; SiH4 is silane; and B2H6, a dimer of BH3, is diborane. For many
compounds, the systematic name and the common name are both used
frequently, requiring familiarity with both.
For example, the systematic name for NO is nitrogen monoxide, but it is much
more commonly called nitric oxide. Similarly, N 2O is usually called nitrous
oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) rather than dinitrogen monoxide.
Notice that the suffixes -ic and -ous are the same ones used for ionic
 compounds. So you should memorize the common names of compounds as
you encounter them.

❖ Practice 1: Determining Names and Formulas of Binary Covalent Compounds

1. What is the formula of carbon disulfide?

2. What is the name of PCl5?
3. Give the name and formula of the compound whose molecules each consist of
two N atoms and four O atoms.

Solution:
1. Carbon is C, sulfide is sulfur S and di-means 2, so the answer is CS2.
2. P is phosphorous, Cl is chloride, the prefix for 5 is penta, so the answer is
phosphorous pentachloride.
3. N is nitrogen and is in a lower group number than O (oxygen). Therefore the
formula is N2O4 and the name is dinitrogen tetraoxide.

BINARY ACIDS – comprised of hydrogen and one other nonmetallic element. Binary
acid solutions form when certain gaseous compounds dissolve in water. They change
the color of indicators (e.g. turns blue litmus paper to red) and have a pH level of less
than 7.
❖ STEPS IN NAMING CHEMICAL FORMULAS OF BINARY ACIDS

1. The word “hydrogen” in the acid was changed to the prefix hydro– .
2. The other nonmetallic element – the anion’s name, was modified by adding the
suffix –ic .
3. The word “acid” was added as a second word.
For example, when gaseous hydrogen chloride (HCl) dissolves in water, it
forms a solution called hydrochloric acid. Prefix hydro- + anion nonmetal root + suffix
-ic + the word acid - hydrochloric acid.

TERNARY ACIDS – contains three or more elements (such organic compounds or

coordination compounds). They contain hydrogen, oxygen, and at least one other
element, and are bonded in such a way as to impart acidic properties to the
compound. Typical oxyacids consist of hydrogen combined with a polyatomic oxygen-
containing ion listed in Table 2. Names and Charges of Some Common Polyatomic
Ions found in SLM5.

❖ STEPS IN NAMING TERNARY ACIDS

Oxoacid names are similar to those of the oxoanions, except for two suffix
changes:
1. Anion “-ite” suffix becomes an “-ous” suffix in the acid. Anion “-ate” suffix becomes
an “-ic” suffix in the acid. For example, NO2 is nitrite, so HNO2 is nitrous acid; PO4 is
phosphate, so H3PO4 is phosphoric acid.
2. The oxoanion prefixes “hypo-” and “per-” are retained. Thus, BrO4- is perbromate,
and HBrO4 is perbromic acid; IO2- is iodite, and HIO2 is iodous acid.

❖ Practice Problem 2: Determining Names and Formulas of Anions and Acids

Name the following anions and give the names and formulas of the acids
derived from them.
1. F- 2. IO3– 3. CN– 4. SO42– 5. NO2–

Solution:
1. The anion is fluoride; the acid is hydrofluoric acid, HF.
2. The anion is iodate; the acid is iodic acid, HIO 3.
3. The anion is cyanide; the acid is hydrocyanic acid, HCN.
4. The anion is sulfate; the acid is sulfuric acid, H 2SO4.
5. The anion is nitrite; the acid is nitrous acid, HNO 2.

BASES – substances that increase OH- ions in an aqueous solution. They change
the color of indicators (e.g. turns red litmus paper to blue) and react with acids to
form salts. Bases have pH level of more than 7.
❖ STEPS IN NAMING CHEMICAL FORMULAS OF BASES
1. Name the monoatomic cation first.
2. Name the polyatomic anion (usually hydroxide).
❖ Examples: LiOH is Lithium hydroxide while Ba(OH)2 is Barium hydroxide

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY 1: Name these binary covalent/molecular compounds.

1. PF5
2. BCl3
3. N2O3
4. IF5
5. AsCl3

ACTIVITY 2: Name these acids and bases. Further classify each as an acid or a
base.
1. NH4OH
2. HClO
3. Zn(OH)2
4. NaOH
5. H2CO3
ACTIVITY 3:
Something is wrong with the names of these compounds. Provide the correct name.
1. SF4 is monosulfur pentafluoride.
2. Cl2O7 is dichlorine hexaoxide.
3. N2O3 is dinitrotrioxide.
4. H2O is dihydrogen monoxide.
5. HClO3 is hypochlorous acid.

WRAP-UP
To summarize what you have learned, supply the answers that will complete
the sentences. Write them in your notebook.
1. The bonding characteristics of _______ compounds are between discrete, neutral
molecules that share electrons.
2. In naming binary covalent compounds, element farthest to the _____of the periodic
table is usually named first. If both elements are in the same group, the element
closer to the bottom of the column is named first.
3. Certain compounds are always called by the __________ names that were assigned
before formulas were used like NH3 is ammonia (not nitrogen trihydride) and PH 3 is
phosphine.
4. In naming _________ acids, the oxoanion prefixes “hypo-” and “per-” are retained.
5. __________ are substances that increase OH- ions in an aqueous solution.

VALUING
Covalent compounds are formed by sharing electrons. How can you show the
same to your classmates and teachers during our no face-to-face classes? Give 3
ways in your notebook.

POSTTEST

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. Which is the correct name of P4O10?

A. Tetrapotassium decoxide B. Tetraphosphorus decoxide
C. Phosphorus oxide D. Potassium nonoxide
2. Which of the following is a binary acid?
A. Bromous acid B. Perbromic acid
 C. Hydrobromic acid D. Hypobromous acid
3. Which of the following anions will form a ternary acid?
A. chlorate B. chloride C. chlorite D. perchlorate
4. Which is correct name of the base Al(OH)3?
A. Aluminum hydroxide B. Aluminum trihydroxide
C. Aluminum hydrogen oxide D. Monoaluminum hydroxide
5. N2O4 appears as red-brown liquid with a sharp, unpleasant chemical odor that is
used as a rocket propellant. What is its correct name?
A. Dinitrogen tetraoxide B. Nitrogen tetroxide
C. Nitrogen oxide D. Dinitrogen tetrox

KEY TO CORRECTION

1. B 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. D
Post-Test (What I Have Learned)

5. Bases
4. ternary
3. common
2. left
1. covalent
Wrap-Up

5. Chloric acid
4. Water
3. Dinitrogen trioxide
2. Dichlorine heptoxide
1. Sulfur tetrafluoride
Activity 3

5. Carbonic acid
4. Sodium hydroxide
3. Zinc hydroxide
2. Hypochlorous acid
1. Ammonium hydroxide
Activity 2
 REFERENCES
Libretexts. “3.6: Naming Covalent Compounds.” Chemistry LibreTexts. Libretexts,
July 14, 2020.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Book:_Chemistr
y_(Averill_and_Eldredge)/03:_Chemical_Reactions/.

OpenStax College, Chemistry. Open Stax College. Houston, Texas, March 11, 2015.
https://cnx.org/content/col11760/latest/.

Patalinghug, Wynona C., Camacho, Vic Marie I., Sevilla III, Fortunato B., Singson,
Maria Cristina D., et. al. Teaching Guide for Senior High School General
Chemistry 1. Commission on Higher Education. Quezon City, 2016.

Roque, Adolfo P. Senior High School Teacher Training Gr.11: General Chemistry 1.
Makati. PNU-CTD-FSTeM, May 2017.

Truong, Jack. “McGraw-Hill Ryerson - High School Chemistry 11 v4.Pdf.” Google

Drive. Google. Accessed June 20, 2020.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6S8xw_R2yByWVVxNV80Yk4xZ1U/view.