How are inorganic compounds named?
Inorganic compounds are named according to rules described by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry). These rules are described below. Binary Ionic Compounds The metal is named first, then the nonmetal. The name of the metal is the same as found on the periodic table. The nonmetal is named by taking the stem of its name and adding “ide” ex. NaCl – sodium and chlorine is named sodium chloride Compounds containing polyatomic ions A polyatomic ion is a charged particle that consists of more than one element, and are given special names that must either be learned, or looked up on a chart of polyatomic ions. When naming a compund that contains polyatomic ions, the positive ion (or metal) is named first, then the negative ion (or nonmetal) is named second. If there is a metal or nonmetal in the compound, it is named following the same rules as for binary ionic compounds. ex. Na2SO4 – sodium and the sulfate ion is named sodium sulfate ex. NH4NO3 – the ammonium ion and the
