Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ionic Compounds
Ionic Compounds
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this laboratory, you will be able to:
●● Describe how the periodic table arranges elements by their chemical properties.
●● Discuss the IUPAC naming system.
●● Define molecular compound, ionic compound, polyatomic ion, oxidation state, and diatomic
element.
●● Identify the prefixes and suffixes used to name polyatomic ions and list the name, formula,
and charge of common polyatomic ions.
●● List the rules for converting formulas to names, and names to formulas for ionic and molecular
compounds.
●● Explain the difference between binary and oxoacids, and identify the rules for naming each.
●● Generate a colored periodic table to distinguish between the groups of elements, and create
a list of common polyatomic ions and strong acids to aid in naming chemical compounds.
●● Write the names for ionic compounds, molecular compounds, polyatomic ions, and acids by
interpreting their formulas.
●● Write the chemical formula for ionic compounds, molecular compounds, polyatomic ions, and
acids by interpreting their compound names.
Materials
Student Supplied Materials
Note: To fully and accurately complete all lab exercises, you will need access to:
1. A computer to upload digital camera images.
2. Basic photo editing software such as Microsoft® Word or PowerPoint®, to add labels, leader
lines, or text to digital photos.
3. Subject-specific textbook or appropriate reference resources from lecture content or other
suggested resources.
Note: The packaging and/or materials in this LabPaq kit may differ slightly from that which is listed
above. For an exact listing of materials, refer to the Contents List included in your LabPaq kit.
Background
The Periodic Table
The periodic table is a reference for the arrangement of chemical elements. See Figure 1. The
periodic table not only organizes the elements by their atomic number and electron configurations,
it also organizes the elements by their chemical properties. The periodic table is the most important
tool to have on hand when studying chemistry. A periodic table is located on the inside cover of
almost every chemistry textbook.
Communication skills are important in any field, and the language of chemistry has a vocabulary
of its own. In the medical field, it is essential to communicate clearly and effectively. For example,
it is important to be correct and unambiguous when transferring responsibility for a patient to
another person, or asking the doctor or dentist for required medication. Reports may be written
for the doctor or for communicating with a patient about their condition, and learning how to
write chemical names and formulas is the first step in pharmacology.
For example, the ionic compound potassium nitrite (KNO2) is used to treat chest pain, whereas the
compound potassium nitrate (KNO3) is used to treat asthma and is also found in toothpastes for
sensitive teeth. A pharmacologist or doctor would need to ensure the proper indication of these
compounds to properly and effectively treat a patient’s symptoms.
Figure 2. The unique IUPAC name for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) includes the numbered
constituents, 3D relationship of atoms, the number of carbons, and functional groups.
©Macrovector
The IUPAC naming system assures safety and consistency when using chemicals. It would be difficult
to replicate experiments if scientists used different names for the same compound. Safety would
also be a concern if there was no consistent system for naming because of the various hazards
associated with mixing chemicals.
Note: If the final vowel in a prefix is “a” or “o” it is dropped before the vowel in a stem name, for ease
of pronunciation.
Note that P and S are nonmetals, which can be determined by referencing a periodic table like the
one in Figure 1.
2. Write the name of the first element with the correct Greek prefix.
P2 = diphosphorus
3. Write the root name of the second element with the suffix “-ide.”
S = sulfur = sulfide
4. Write the correct Greek prefix of the second element.
S5 = pentasulfide
5. Write the name of the molecular compound.
P2S5 = diphosphorus pentasulfide
Note: There is no charge indicated in the above formulas which indicates that they are molecular
compounds and not ionic compounds.
Note: Since the word “carbon” in carbon tetrafluoride has no prefix, it can be assumed that there is
only one carbon atom in the molecule.
4. Write the second chemical symbol based on the second name written in the compound.
fluoride = fluorine = F
5. Include the number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) included in the second name.
tetrafluoride = 4 fluorine atoms = F4
6. Write the formula of the molecular compound.
carbon tetrafluoride = CF4
Note: You will not be asked to “balance” the formula of molecular compounds because there are no
ions to balance. Ionic charges and balancing equations will be introduced later.
Note: Be aware that many elements have similar names and symbols.
a. If a metal is present, the compound is likely an ionic compound.
2. Determine if the metal ion (cation) has a “fixed charge.” A fixed charge means that there is
only one possible oxidation state, as shown in Figure 3. Cations with a fixed charge include.
a. All elements in Group IA and Group IIA
b. Al3+
c. Transition metals with a fixed charge: Ag1+, Zn2+, and Cd2+
Figure 3. The fixed charge oxidation states, or charges, of the element potassium (K) in Group IA
and the element beryllium (Be) in Group IIA.
3. Proceed to step 6 if the metal does not have a fixed charge, otherwise continue to step 4.
4. Name the cation first.
a. Record the entire name of the cation.
5. Name the anion second.
a. Combine the root name of the nonmetal anion with the suffix “-ide.” The conversion
from a formula to a name is complete once the anion has been named.
6. Determine the variable charges for the metal, as shown in Figure 4. Variable charge means
that there is more than one possible oxidation state. Elements with a variable charge include:
a. All transition metals in Groups IIIA through IIB, EXCEPT: Ag1+, Zn2+, and Cd2+
b. All basic metals EXCEPT: Al3+
Figure 4. The variable charge oxidation states, or charges, that iron (Fe) and gold (Au) can carry.
a. Include the root name of the anion and the suffix “-ide.”
Note that Li is a metal and O is a nonmetal, which can be determined by referencing a periodic table
like the one in Figure 1.
2. Determine if the metal ion has a fixed charge or variable charge.
Li = Group IA = fixed charge = 1+
3. Record the entire name of the cation.
Li = lithium
4. Write the root name of the nonmetal ion with the suffix “-ide.”
O = oxygen = oxide
5. Write the name of the ionic compound.
lithium oxide
Fe2O3
2. Determine if the metal ion has a fixed charge or variable charge.
Fe = Group VIIIB = variable charge = 2+ or 3+
3. Record the entire name of the cation.
Fe = iron
4. Determine the Roman numeral by balancing the charges to create a neutral compound.
a. There are 2 atoms of iron and 3 atoms of oxygen.
b. We know oxygen always carries a 2- charge so all 3 atoms of oxygen have a 2- charge.
c. We need to determine if each iron atom has a 2+ or a 3+ charge by a simple algebraic
calculation where the charge for each iron atom equals x and the equation is set to 0:
Tip: To balance Fe2O3, first consider the oxygen atoms. Oxygen always has a charge of 2-, therefore
O3 has a total charge of 6-. This means that Fe2 must have a total charge of 6+. Each F atom will
have a charge of 3+.
d. After solving for x, we find that each iron atom carries a 3+ charge. Thus, the Roman
numeral used in the compound name is “III.”
iron(III)
5. Write the root name of the nonmetal ion with the suffix “-ide.”
O = oxygen = oxide
6. Write the name of the ionic compound.
iron(III) oxide
Note: If the name does not include a Roman numeral, then the metal ion has a fixed charge.
3. Write the first chemical symbol based on the cation in the compound, including the charge.
calcium = Ca2+
4. Write the second chemical symbol based on the anion in the compound, including the charge.
fluoride = fluorine = F-
5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element and write the
formula for a neutral compound.
Tip: To balance CaF2, first consider the Ca has a fixed charge of 2+ and F carries a 1- charge. For the
compound to have a net charge of 0, there must be two F atoms and one Ca atom.
6. Write the formula of the molecular compound.
calcium fluoride = CaF2
5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element to write the
formula for a neutral compound.
Polyatomic Ions
Polyatomic ions are a group of two or more covalently bonded atoms that function as a single
ion. For example, oxygen carries a 2- charge and hydrogen carries a 1+ charge. When combined
they form a covalent bond, producing a single anion with a 1- charge called hydroxide (OH-). The
1- charge of the hydroxide ion is a product of the 2- charge of the O with the 1+ charge of the
H (-2 + 1 = -1). Polyatomic ions are the fundamental unit in the majority of ionic compounds;
therefore, knowing polyatomic ion names, formulas, and charges is important. Common ions and
their charges are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Common polyatomic ions.
Name Formula Charge
Ammonium NH4+ 1+
Hydroxide OH- 1-
Cyanide CN- 1-
Nitrite** NO2- 1-
Nitrate** NO3- 1-
Sulfite** SO32- 2-
Sulfate** SO42- 2-
Phosphate PO43- 3-
Chlorate** ClO3- 1-
Perchlorate ClO4- 1-
Peroxide O22- 2-
Chromate*** CrO42- 2-
Dichromate*** Cr2O72- 2-
Permanganate*** MnO4- 1-
**Note the very subtle differences in names and subscripts due to the oxidation states.
*** Note that permanganate, chromate, and dichromate each have a metal and a
nonmetal.
Note: There are additional tables of polyatomic ions available online and in textbooks. This table
includes only the most common ions encountered in general chemistry classes.
Here are a few helpful hints for naming polyatomic ions:
a. Suffixes: the name of the ion usually ends in “-ite” or “-ate.” A low oxidation state will
have an ion ending in “-ite,” versus a higher oxidation state that ends in “-ate.” The
oxidation state is dependent upon a calculation of the charges of the polyatomic ion.
Figure 5 shows the calculations of the oxidation state for the sulfite ion (SO32-) and the
sulfate ion (SO42-). A simple algebraic calculation is done to determine the oxidation
state for each polyatomic ion by solving for “x” since we know that oxygen (O) carries
a 2- charge:
Figure 5. Algebraic calculations for the oxidation state of the polyatomic ions sulfite and sulfate.
b. Prefixes: “hypo-” indicates the very lowest oxidation state and “per-” indicates the very
highest oxidation state. Figure 6 shows the calculations of the oxidation state for the
hypochlorite ion (ClO-) and the perchlorate ion (ClO4-). A simple algebraic calculation
is done to determine the oxidation state for each polyatomic ion by solving for “x”
since we know that oxygen (O) carries a 2- charge:
Figure 6. Algebraic calculations for the oxidation state of the polyatomic ions hypochlorite and
perchlorate.
c. Few polyatomic ions have positive charges. These ions have names ending in “-onium.”
For example, ammonium (NH4+) and hydronium (H3O+).
d. There are a few exceptions to these rules. The following polyatomic ions were once
thought to be monatomic ions so they end in “-ide:” hydroxide (OH-), cyanide (CN-),
and peroxide (O22-).
KNO2
2. Determine if the metal ion has a fixed charge or variable charge.
K = Group IA = fixed charge = 1+
3. Record the entire name of the cation.
K = potassium
4. Record the entire name of the anion.
NO2 = nitrite
5. Write the name of the ionic compound.
potassium nitrite
5. Balance the charges to determine the correct number of atoms of each element to write the
formula for a neutral compound.
Naming Acids
Simple covalent compounds that contain hydrogen often dissolve in water to produce acids.
For example, HF in its gaseous state (g) is hydrogen fluoride, but HF in aqueous solution (aq) is
hydrofluoric acid. This lesson focuses on binary acids and oxoacids. Binary acids are acids in which
hydrogen bonds with a second nonmetallic element. An oxoacid is an acid containing oxygen,
hydrogen, and a third element. An oxoacid contains at least one hydrogen atom bound to the
oxygen. These acids dissociate in water by breaking the OH bond to form a H+ ion and an anion.
There are a unique set of rules for naming both binary and oxoacids. The systematic names for
binary acids include the prefix “hydro-” (indicating the water the acid is dissolved in) and the root
of the second element’s name (the non-metal). The suffix of the anion changes from “-ide” to “-ic,”
followed by the word “acid.” For example:
water + H+ + F- = HF(aq) = hydrofluoric acid
Note: Acids containing sulfur use the full name “sulfur” instead of the root of the name. For example,
H2S(aq) is called hydrosulfuric acid NOT hydrosulfic acid.
Oxoacids are named based on the nonmetal from which they are derived. The prefix “hydro-” is
not used, and the suffix “-ate” is changed to “-ic,” and the suffix “-ite” is changed to “-ous.” For
example, HNO3 (contains the nitrate ion) is named nitric acid. The prefixes used for lowest and
highest oxidation states are also used in the naming of oxoacids. For example, HClO (contains the
hypochlorite ion) is named hypochlorous acid. See Table 3 for examples of formulas and names
for strong acids that may be encountered.
Note: Since acids are covalent compounds dissolved in water, the formula must indicate the physical
state the compound is in to distinguish it from covalent compounds NOT dissolved in water. For
example, HCl(g) is hydrogen chloride whereas HCl(aq) is hydrochloric acid.
Table 3. The formulas and systematic names for a selection of common strong acids.
Diatomic Elements
Diatomic elements do not have full valence electron shells and cannot exist as a single atom.
For example, the reactivity of hydrogen causes lone atoms to combine into diatomic (two atom)
molecules forming hydrogen gas (H2(g)) or liquid hydrogen (H2(l)). Element names ending in “-gen”
or “-ine” are diatomic. The names and formulas for the seven diatomic elements can be found in
Table 4.
Note: These elements are diatomic ONLY when they are the only element present, NOT when they
are chemically bonded to other elements.
Table 4. The formulas and names of the seven diatomic elements.
4. If the metal is in Groups IIIA through IIB (EXCEPT for Ag, Zn, Cd, or Al) then the ionic compound
is named as in step 3, except a Roman numeral is added in parentheses after the metal name
to indicate the charge of the metal ion.
5. When writing the formula for ionic compounds, write the symbol for the cation first, followed
by the anion.
6. EVERY time a compound contains a metal, balance the charges of the compound when writing
the formula.
7. Print or write down the steps on naming ionic and molecular compounds in the Background,
and use them for every example.
8. An aqueous physical state distinguishes binary acids from simple molecular compounds.
9. Double check your work. After you have written the name of a chemical compound, cover the
name and try to write the corresponding formula, and vice versa.
10. Use the note cards that will be created in Exercise 1 for every compound in Exercise 2.
Practicing is the best way to learn how to name chemical compounds and write the corresponding
formulas.
Figure 8. Note card with two polyatomic ions the vary based on oxidation state.
10. Take a photo of the completed note card of the common strong acids.
11. Resize and insert the image into Data Table 1.
12. Write the name and formula for each of the seven diatomic elements in Table 4 of the
Background on a note card.
13. Take a photo of the completed note card of diatomic elements.
14. Resize and insert the image into Data Table 1.
15. Review the note cards (polyatomic ions, strong acids, and diatomic elements) until you are
familiar with the content. You will reference the note cards in the next exercise.
Note: Reference the procedures, figures, and tables in the Background to successfully complete this
Exercise.
Part 1: Molecular and Ionic Compounds
1. View the first formula in Data Table 2 of your Lab Report Assistant.
a. Determine if the compound is molecular or ionic and record in Data Table 2.
b. If the compound is molecular, record the name of the first element with the correct
prefix, followed by the prefix for the second element. Then add -ide to the root of the
second element.
c. If the compound is ionic, determine if the metal ion (cation) has a fixed or variable
charge. Record the name of the cation followed by the root name of the anion with the
suffix “-ide” if the anion is only one type of element, or the full name of the polyatomic
ion. For cations with a variable charge, be sure to include the correct Roman numeral
to record the name of a neutral compound by ensuring the sum of the charges for the
anion and the cation equal 0.
2. Repeat step 1 for the remaining formulas in Data Table 2.
3. View the name for the first compound in Data Table 3 of your Lab Report Assistant.
a. Determine if the compound is molecular or ionic and record in Data Table 3.
b. If the compound is molecular, record the chemical symbol of the first and second
elements. Include the correct number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) given in
the name.
c. If the compound is ionic, determine if the metal ion (cation) has a fixed or variable
charge. Record the chemical symbol of the cation and anion. Be sure to include the
correct number of atoms to record the formula of a neutral compound by ensuring
the sum of the charges for the anion and the cation equal 0.
4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining compounds in Data Table 3.
b. If the compound contains a hydrogen and occurs in its aqueous state, record the
systematic acid name. Binary acids will include “hydro-” to indicate water, followed
by the root of the second element ending with the suffix “-ic” and the word “acid.”
Oxoacids will not include the prefix “hydro” and the suffixes and any prefixes (if
needed) will depend on the anion present in the compound.
c. Determine the corresponding polyatomic ion and change the suffix as necessary.
d. Refer to the note cards created in Exercise 1 for oxidation states, the names of common
polyatomic ions, and suffix changes for acids.
6. Repeat step 5 for the remaining compounds in Data Table 4.
7. Record the chemical formula for the first compound in Data Table 5 of your Lab Report
Assistant.
a. Record the chemical symbol of the first metal ion or hydrogen (if any). Include the
correct number of atoms based on the prefix (if any) given in the name. Include the
physical state to distinguish binary acids from simple molecular compounds.
b. For cations, include the correct number of atoms to record the formula of a neutral
compound by ensuring the sum of the charges for the polyatomic ion and the cation
equal 0.
c. If the compound is an acid, the formula will contain a hydrogen followed by the second
element(s) depending on if it is a binary or an oxoacid.
d. Refer to Table 2 from the Background for the charges and the formulas of common
polyatomic ions.
8. Repeat step 7 for the remaining compounds in Data Table 5.
Questions
A. Determine the effect of adding H+ to the polyatomic ion phosphate such that it produces a
neutral compound. Indicate the effect on the charge and record the new name.
B. The metals in group IIIA, IVA, and VA of the periodic table are not transition metals. However,
all but 1 have variable charges. What element in Group IIIA, period 3 has a fixed charge, and
what is that charge?
C. Describe the difference between molecular and ionic compounds.