Formulae of Compounds

To work out the formula of a compound you must know the valency of the
elements in the compound. Most elements' valency can be found from the
Periodic Table. The exceptions to this are transition metals, other elements with
variable valencies and polyatomic ions.

Cations Anions

Name Formula Valency Name Formula Valency

+ -
hydrogen H 1+ hydride H 1-
silver(I) Ag+ 1+ nitrate(V) NO3– 1-
mercury(I) Hg+ 1+ nitrite(III) NO2– 1-
copper(I) Cu+ 1+ hydroxide OH– 1-
hydrogen
gold Au+ 1+ HCO3– 1-
carbonate
ammonium NH4+ 1+ manganate(VII) MnO4- 1-
ethanoate CH3COO– 1-
Chlorate ClO3– 1-
Name Formula Valency
zinc Zn2+ 2+ Name Formula Valency
mercury(II) Hg2+ 2+ carbonate CO32– 2-
2+
copper(II) Cu 2+ sulphate(VI) SO42– 2-
2+
iron(II) Fe 2+ sulphite(IV) SO32– 2-
2+ 2–
lead(II) Pb 2+ sulphide S 2-
2+
tin(II) Sn 2+ thiosulphate S2O32– 2-
manganese(II) Mn2+ 2+ silicate(IV) SiO32– 2-
chromate(VI) Cr2O72- 2-
Name Formula Valency
iron(III) Fe3+ 3+ Name Formula Valency
chromium(III) Cr3+ 3+ nitride N3- 3-
phosphate(V) PO43– 3-
Name Formula Valency arsenate(V) AsO43- 3-
lead(IV) Pb4+ 4+
tin(IV) Sn4+ 4+