Ionic Compound Chemical Formulas

The crossover rule helps to determine the chemical formula for an ionic compound. The
subscripts in the formula indicate the correct number of cation(s) needed to neutralize the
anion(s). The overall result is an ionic compound with no overall charge.

Write the cation with its charge as a superscript:

Al → Al+3

Write the anion next, with its charge as a superscript:

O → O-2

Cross the numbers over and down.

They become subscripts.
Al2O3

Use the crossover rule to determine chemical formulas for the compounds formed:

ions with charges chemical formula

calcium with bromide

sodium with sulfide

calcium with oxide

iron (II) with nitrate

lead (II) with nitrate

ammonium with sulfate

calcium with sulfate

 Covalent Compound Chemical Formulas

Use Greek prefixes to indicate how many atoms in a covalent compound: mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-,
penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, deca-

Chemical formulas for common hydrocarbons:

methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) = mother eats peanut butter

Covalent compounds with traditional names:

water = H2O, ammonia = NH3, and ozone = O3

When given a covalent chemical formula, to write its chemical name:

1. Start with covalent compound formula ex. H2O

2. Name the more metal-like atom first - usually more left in the periodic table.

3. Indicate how many of the first atom using a Greek prefix, but only if more than 1

1) Name the less metal-like atom second

a. Indicate how many of the second atom using a Greek prefix

4. Combine vowels, if needed

5. Take off the last few letters and replace with “-ide” ending

CO2

CO

P2O10

SO2

Br2O7

C2H6

CH4

O2

O3
 Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations

1. Write chemical formulas for all compounds, using nomenclature rules for ionic
compounds or covalent compounds.
Make sure that all elements and compounds are neutral, with no charge values
Elements that are diatomic molecules: hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2)

2. Take inventory: count the atoms of reactants, count the atoms of products

3. Add coefficients in front of the compounds/elements to balance individual atoms

Use whole numbers
Start with converting odd numbers to even numbers e.g. 1 → 2
DO NOT CHANGE ANY SUBSCRIPTS

4. Take a final inventory to confirm the equation is balanced with equal numbers of atoms
on both sides of the reaction arrow.

Write the complete balanced equation.

carbon and oxygen gas react to form carbon dioxide

carbon and oxygen gas react to form carbon monoxide

nitrogen gas and oxygen gas react to form nitric oxide (NO)

hydrogen gas and nitric oxide react to form water and nitrogen gas

aluminum and chlorine gas (Cl2) react to form solid aluminum chloride