Chemical Nomenclature: Rules for Inorganic Compounds
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Formulation of Oxides
To formulate oxides, write the element symbol followed by the oxygen symbol, then exchange their valencies and simplify if possible.
- Traditional Naming: Uses specific suffixes based on valency: -ic for one valency; -ous (lower) and -ic (higher) for two; hypo-...-ous, -ous, and -ic for three; and per-...-ic for four.
- Systematic Nomenclature: Uses prefixes such as mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-.
- Stock Nomenclature: Uses the term "oxide" followed by the metal name and its valency in Roman numerals.
Examples:
- K2O: Dipotassium monoxide / Potassium oxide
- N2O5: Dinitrogen pentoxide / Nitrogen oxide (V)
Hydrides
In hydrides, hydrogen acts with a valency of -1, and valencies are exchanged.
Examples:
- PbH4: Lead(IV) tetrahydride / Lead hydride (IV) / Plumbic hydride
Hydracids
These are combinations of hydrogen (+1) with non-metals from groups 16 (-2) or 17 (-1).
- H2S: Hydrogen sulfide
- H2Se: Hydrogen selenide / Selenhydric acid
- HI: Hydrogen iodide / Hydriodic acid
Volatile Hydrides
Combinations of elements from groups 13, 14, and 15.
- BH3: Boron trihydride
- NH3: Nitrogen trihydride (Ammonia)
- SiH4: Silicon tetrahydride (Silane)
Note: Common names include phosphine (PH3), arsine (AsH3), stibine (SbH3), and methane (CH4).
Binary Salts
Formulated by writing the metal first, followed by the non-metal, then exchanging valencies and simplifying.
- Systematic: Add prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-) to the non-metal.
- Stock: Use the non-metal name with the -ide suffix followed by the metal name and Roman numerals.
Examples:
- Fe2S3: Diiron trisulfide / Iron(III) sulfide
- PCl5: Phosphorus pentachloride / Phosphorus(V) chloride
Hydroxides
Combinations of a metal with the hydroxide group (OH) which has a valency of -1.
Examples:
- Al(OH)3: Aluminum trihydroxide / Aluminum hydroxide
- Pb(OH)4: Lead tetrahydroxide / Lead(IV) hydroxide / Plumbic hydroxide
- Cu(OH)2: Copper dihydroxide / Copper(II) hydroxide / Cupric hydroxide