Grade 10 Science: Nomenclature Aid Sheet

When naming and writing the chemical formula’s of…

Binary Ionic Compounds:

- When naming, identify both elements. Write them both down, adding an
“ide” ending to the anion.

ex. CaCl2 = Calcium Chloride

- When writing down the formula, identify both elements on the periodic table
and identify their valence. Once their valences are known, use the “cross-
over method” to find the final formula.

ex. Aluminum oxide; Aluminum has a valence of 3+, and oxygen a valence
of 2-, thus we can write

Al3+ O2- => Al2O3

Where possible, reduce the subscripts of ALL binary ionic compounds,

including multivalent ones.

Multivalent metals:

- When writing the formula for a multivalent metal, use the roman numeral
stated to identify the roman numeral’s valence. Then, identify the valence of
the other metal and use the cross-over method to find the formula.

ex. Lead (IV) oxide => Roman numeral 4, thus Lead has a valence of 4+.
Oxygen has a valence of 2-, thus

Pb4+ O2- = Pb2O4 = PbO2

When writing the formula, you must use trial and error. Identify the two
elements, and identify ALL valences of the multivalent metal. Then, use the
cross-over method until the result is the formula you are considering. Then,
identify the specific valence of the metal that gave you this answer. This
 number is the number of the Roman numeral you will use to name it. Write
down both elements as you would normally do adding the “ide” ending to
anion. In addition, in between the cation and anion, write the Roman
numeral.

ex. PbO => Pb has valences 2+ AND 4+, so we must try both

Pb4+ O2- = Pb2O4 = PbO2 which ISN’T PbO

Pb2+ O2- = Pb2O2 = PbO which IS the right formula

So, as we can see, Pb2+ worked, which has a valence of 2+. To

represent this 2+, we use Roman numeral (II). So, the name is

Lead (II) oxide

Polyatomic compounds:

- When naming a polyatomic compound, identify the cation and the

polyatomic ion. Then, write the name of the cation and polyatomic ion
down.

ex. Ca3(PO4)2 => Calcium Phosphate

If the cation is a multivalent, we use the Roman numeral naming system

once again.

- When writing the formula of a polyatomic compound, we identify what the

cation is and what the polyatomic ion is and then use the cross-over method.

ex. Hydrogen Nitrate => H1+ & (NO3)1- = H(NO3)

Remember, reduce the subscripts where possible and make sure to

ALWAYS use the brackets around the polyatomic ion.