Ionic compounds will follow set of rules, and molecular compounds will follow another. These prefixes can be used to name just about any compound. Why are prefixes used in naming covalent compounds? For example, in NaCl, Na is sodium and Cl is chlorine. This system recognizes that many metals have two common cations. Image credit: Wikipedia Commons, public domain. Naming ionic compound with polyvalent ion. Here are the principal naming conventions for ionic compounds, along with examples to show how they are used: A Roman numeral in parentheses, followed by the name of the element, is used for elements that can form more than one positive ion. By adding oxygens to the molecule in number 9, we now have H3PO4? Neo is used in the naming of the common nomenclature or organic We reviewed their content and use your feedback to keep the quality high. 2. compounds for easier identification. In general, the prefix mono- is rarely used. Because these elements have only one oxidation state, you dont need to specify anything with a prefix. Can prefixes be used for covalent compounds and ionic? hypochlorite chlorite chlorate perchlorate. Therefore, the proper name for this ionic compound is iron(II) chloride. Map: Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity (Kotz et al. One example is the ammonium sulfate compound in Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\). Why aren't prefixes used in naming ionic compounds? 1 Do you use prefixes when naming ionic compounds? 1.6K views The second system, called the common system, is not conventional but is still prevalent and used in the health sciences. Zk2`ae|W/%EZ%{6|E6:P&*OH%3tmN'/$)dH dN bg|'q .WW?BN&!>FA`Z'P66`/hF]y$LA6$DFVHVN"(VSy[mFr TnEI4Qmo%*CJ2 z )(H; ~DRX\z] & o`7f]--!- lOBNh! However, in the first element's name, leave out the "mono-" prefix. Some elements, like carbon, bond differently than most others. mono- indicates one, di- indicates two, tri- is three, tetra- is four, penta- is five, and hexa- is six, hepta- is seven, octo- is eight, nona- is nine, and deca is ten. Ionic compounds with transition metals will contain prefixes to denote oxidation states, but those are not prefixes. What is the correct formula of phosphorus trichloride? First name the element that is leftmost on the periodic table. The number of atoms are written as subscripts to their chemical symbols. Ionic compounds are named differently. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Table \(\PageIndex{1}\) lists the elements that use the common system, along with their respective cation names. It is important to include (aq) after the acids because the same compounds can be written in gas phase with hydrogen named first followed by the anion ending with ide. Nomenclature is the process of naming chemical compounds with different names so that they can be easily identified as separate chemicals. You'll get a detailed solution from a subject matter expert that helps you learn core concepts. CO = carbon monoxide BCl3 = borontrichloride, CO2 = carbon dioxide N2O5 =dinitrogen pentoxide. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Do you use prefixes when naming covalent compounds? Prefixes are not used in naming ionic compounds, but are used in naming binary molecular compounds. Dihydrogen dioxide, H2O2, is more commonly called hydrogen dioxide or hydrogen peroxide. Why are prefixes not needed in naming ionic compounds? 2. For example, iron can form two common ions, Fe2+ and Fe3+. 1. Ionic compound base names contain two words: The first word is the name of the cation. Experts are tested by Chegg as specialists in their subject area. However, it is virtually never called that. without charges, this is not possible in molecular compounds so prefixes are used. << /Length 4 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> What is the correct formula of lithium perchlorate? In all cases, ionic compound naming gives the positively charged cation first, followed by the negatively charged anion. 1. Prefixes are not used in naming ionic compounds because two ions can combine in only one combination. What is the name of this molecule? 2. Do NOT use prefixes to indicate how many of each element is present; this information is implied in the name of the compound. However, it is virtually never called that. 2003-2023 Chegg Inc. All rights reserved. Note: when the addition of the Greek prefix places two vowels adjacent to one another, the "a" (or the "o") at the end of the Greek prefix is usually dropped; e.g., "nonaoxide" would be written as "nonoxide", and "monooxide" would be written as . Ionic compound nomenclature or namingis based on the names of the component ions. Chloride always has a 1 charge, so with two chloride ions, we have a total negative charge of 2. We are going to focus our attention on ionic compounds. For ionic, just add the The name of the second element loses one or two syllables and ends in the suffix -ide. A lot of energy is needed to. Aluminum oxide is an ionic compound. The -ide ending is added to the name of a monoatomic ion of an element. two ions can combine in only one combination. In the second compound, the iron ion has a 3+ charge, as indicated by the three Cl ions in the formula. Covalent Bonds: When it comes to atoms and how they interact with one another, it is important to understand the type of bond that. Using a maximum of ten sentences, respond to one of the two prompts. Community Answer Choose the correct answer: According to naming rules, the types of compound that use prefixes in their names are A) ionic compounds. The most common ones are shown in the table below: Several exceptions apply to the Roman numeral assignment: Aluminum, Zinc, and Silver. compounds. Polyatomic anions sometimes gain one or more H+ ions to form anions of a lower charge. ThoughtCo. There are a few easy steps that you can use for chemistry prefixes. 10. " mono-" indicates one, "di-" indicates two, "tri-" is three, "tetra-" is four, "penta-" is five, and "hexa-" is six, "hepta-" is seven, "octo-" is eight, "nona-" is nine, and "deca" is ten. The net charge of any ionic compound must be zero which also means it must be electrically neutral. The name of a monatomic anion consists of the stem of the element name, the suffix -ide, and then the word ion. Example: FeCl3 is ferric chloride or iron(III) chloride. We do not call the Na + ion the sodium (I) ion because (I) is unnecessary. Yes, the name for water using the rules for chemical nomenclature is dihydrogen monoxide. These anions are called oxyanions. Sodium forms only a 1+ ion, so there is no ambiguity about the name sodium ion. Roman numerals are used in naming ionic compounds when the metal cation forms more than one ion. A covalent compound is usually composed of two or more nonmetal elements. Name the nonmetal by its elemental name and an -ide ending. )%2F02%253A_Atoms_Molecules_and_Ions%2F2.10%253A_Naming_Binary_Nonmetal_Compounds, \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}}}\) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\), --> Cobalt must have +2 charge to make a neutral compund --> Co, Compounds between Metals and Nonmetals (Cation and Anion), Compounds between Nonmetals and Nonmetals, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, status page at https://status.libretexts.org, Pettrucci, Ralph H. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Name the second element as if it were an anion that uses the -ide ending. , What errors can you come across when reading a thermometer, How many Hydrogen atoms in the formula 4H3O2. The metal is changed to end in ous or ic. Now that we're familiar with polyatomic ions, let's learn how to name ionic compounds when given their chemical formulas by using the following steps: Step 1 Determine the "base name" of the ionic compound. This means that the two cobalt ions have to contribute 6+, which for two cobalt ions means that each one is 3+. According to Table 2.6 Prefixes for Indicating the Number of Atoms in Chemical Names, the prefix for two is di-, and the prefix for four is tetra-. 3H + N2 2NH3 Carbon monoxide is one of the few compounds that uses this prefix. Similarly, the formula of iron oxide containing 2 Fe and 3 O is written as FeO. An exploration of carbonyl compounds as catalysts, including acid catalyzed reactions with -CO2H and reactions via carbonyl and hydroxyl groups recycling A practical discussion of the synthetic applications of carbonyl compounds, including the synthesis of functional molecules and the synthesis of functional materials The prefixes are written at the beginning of the name of each element, with the exception of the prefix mono-, which is not used for the first element. When naming binary ionic compounds, name the cation first (specifying the charge, if necessary), then the nonmetal anion (element stem + -ide). Such acids include sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Each element, carbon and. The -ate ending indicates a high oxidation state. Polyatomic anions have negative charges while polyatomic cations have positive charges. Although there may be a element with positive charge like H+, it is not joined with another element with an ionic bond. The transition metals may form more than one ion, thus it is needed to be specified which particular ion we are talking about. This means that the one iron ion must have a 2+ charge. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Name Ionic Compounds." By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. What is chemical formula? Iron can also have more than one possible charge. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Legal. The ions have the same magnitude of charge, one of each (ion) is needed to balance the charges. The number of atoms of each element is written as the subscripts of the symbols for each atoms. Why is the word hydro used in the naming binary acids, but not in the naming of oxyacids? The name of the compound is aluminum phosphate. Although they belong to the transition metal category, these metals do not have Roman numerals written after their names because these metals only exist in one ion. There are two rules that must be followed through: The cation (metal) is always named first with its name unchanged The anion (nonmetal) is written after the cation, modified to end in -ide Example 1 Na+ + Cl- = NaCl; Ca2+ + 2Br- = CaBr2 Sodium + Chlorine = Sodium Chloride; Calcium + Bromine = Calcium Bromide For example, we might think to call C2H6 dicarbon hexahydride, but in reality its called ethane. Predict the charge on monatomic ions. Why are prefixes used in naming covalent compounds? A quick way to identify acids is to see if there is an H (denoting hydrogen) in front of the molecular formula of the compound. It is still common to see and use the older naming convention in which the prefix bi- is used to indicate the addition of a single hydrogen ion. Legal. They are named by first the cation, then the anion. When you have a polyatomic ion with one more oxygen than the -ate ion, then your acid will have the prefix per- and the suffix -ic. For example, the chlorate ion is ClO3. The ClO- ion, for example, is the hypochlorite ion. However, the names of molecular a. For example, a compound that has 5 atoms of a particular element would have the penta prefix before that element in the compounds name. For example, consider FeCl2 and FeCl3 . 9th. Biochemical Nomenclature and Related Documents, London:Portland Press, 1992. Answers. For more information, see our tutorial on naming ionic compounds. The state of acids is aqueous (aq) because acids are found in water. Visit this website if you would like to learn more about how we use compounds every day! The prefix per - (as in hyper-) is used to indicate the very highest oxidation state. 2 0 obj The word ion is dropped from both parts. This occurs because the number of oxygen atoms are increasing from hypochlorite to perchlorate, yet the overall charge of the polyatomic ion is still -1. When two or more elements share electrons in a covalent bond, they form molecular compounds. To distinguish the difference, Fe2+ would be named iron (II) and Fe3+ would be named iron (III). Refer to the explanation. Regards. To name them, follow these quick, simple rules: 1. The following are the Greek prefixes used for naming binary molecular compounds. Weak bases made of ionic compounds are also named using the ionic naming system. 8 When do you use prefixes to name an element? These endings are added to the Latin name of the element (e.g., stannous/stannic for tin) to represent the ions with lesser or greater charge, respectively. b. Table \(\PageIndex{2}\) lists the names of some common monatomic ions. Thus, Fe2+ is called the iron(II) ion, while Fe3+ is called the iron(III) ion. two ions can combine in. Do NOT use prefixes to indicate how many of each element is present; this information is implied in the name of the compound. Comment on the feasibility of a naming scheme where hydro is used. When naming ionic compounds, list the cation first and the anion second. Covalent compounds are named with number prefixes to identify the number of atoms in the molecule. Ba 3 As 2 is simply called "barium arsenide." Note that arsenic gets the "ide" suffix because it is an element. HF (g) = hydrogen fluoride -> HF (aq) = hydrofluoric acid, HBr (g) = hydrogen bromide -> HBr (aq) = hydrobromic acid, HCl (g) = hydrogen chloride -> HCl (aq) = hydrochloric acid, H2S (g) = hydrogen sulfide -> H2S (aq) = hydrosulfuricacid. When naming binary ionic compounds, name the cation first (specifying the charge, if necessary), then the nonmetal anion (element stem + -ide). Prefixes for Ionic Compounds Ionic compounds have the simplest naming convention: nothing gets a prefix. BINARY MOLECULAR COMPOUNDS Prefixes used to note how many atoms in a compound 1. mono- 6. hexa-2. The compounds name is iron(II) phosphate. When naming ionic compounds, why do we not use prefixes (mono-di-, tri-, etc.) The number of atoms are written as subscripts to their chemical symbols. You can use a chart to see the possible valences for the elements. to indicate the amount of each ion indie compound? Ternary compounds are composed of three or more elements. We know that cobalt can have more than one possible charge; we just need to determine what it is. On the other hand, the anion is named by removing the last syllable and adding -ide. The prefix mono- is not used for the first element. 2 Do you use prefixes when naming covalent compounds? uddPlBAl(|!n mEUCUCqXZD:0r>gGd`\' ]$"jA2,MT`1~YvR"2IuNr:;q To signify the number of each element contained in the compound, molecular compounds are named using a systematic approach of prefixes. Add an 'ide' to the end of the second compound's name. If there is not a prefix before the first element, it is assumed that there is only one atom of that element. to indicate the amount of each ion indie compound? Atom the smallest unit of a chemical element, made from protons, neutrons, and electrons, Prefixes the name that comes before the molecule, Compounds a chemical species composed of two or more elements, Periodic table a table of chemical elements that is arranged in order of atomic number, Oxidation State a number assigned to an element that represents the number of electrons lost or gained, Transition Metal elements from the d-block of the periodic table, which can have more than one configuration of valence electrons, Roman Numerals tells you the oxidation state of the transition metal ion, Element a substance that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler components. Example Fe2+ is Iron(II). For example, NaOH is sodium hydroxide, KOH is potassium hydroxide, and Ca(OH) 2 is calcium hydroxide. In this tutorial, you will be introduced to the different types of chemistry prefixes. Pui Yan Ho (UCD), Alex Moskaluk (UCD), Emily Nguyen (UCD). What is the correct name for Al(NO3)3? Iron, for example, can form two cations, each of which, when combined with the same anion, makes a different compound with unique physical and chemical properties. stream Because the rules of nomenclature say so. Prefixes should not be used to indicate how many of each element is present; this information is implied in the compound's name. The process of naming ionic compounds with polyatomic ions is the same as naming binary ionic compounds. Covalent or Molecular Compound Properties, Empirical Formula: Definition and Examples, Why the Formation of Ionic Compounds Is Exothermic, The Difference Between a Cation and an Anion, Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds, Compounds With Both Ionic and Covalent Bonds, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. Common exceptions exist for naming molecular compounds, where trivial or common names are used instead of systematic names, such as ammonia (NH 3) instead of nitrogen trihydride or water (H 2 O) instead of dihydrogen monooxide. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/ionic-compound-nomenclature-608607. The prefix poly- means many, so a polyatomic ion is an ion that contains more than one atom. These ions are named by adding the word hydrogen or dihydrogen in front of the name of the anion. Using the names of the ions, this ionic compound is named calcium chloride. In many cases, nonmetals form more than one binary compound, so prefixes are used to distinguish them. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Atoms are electrically neutral because the number of protons, which carry a 1+ charge, in the nucleus of an atom is equal to the number of electrons, which carry a 1- charge, in the atom. The rules for naming binary molecular compounds are similar to Ionic compounds consist of cations (positive ions) and anions (negative ions). 6. Some anions have multiple forms and are named accordingly with the use of roman numerals in parentheses. Why did scientists decide to use prefixes to name molecular compounds, but not ionic compounds? 3. . Comment on the feasibility of a naming scheme where hydro is used when naming oxyacids and omitted when naming binary acids. Set your categories menu in Theme Settings -> Header -> Menu -> Mobile menu (categories), CO= carbon monoxide. The method for naming polyatomic ionic compounds is the same as for binary ionic compounds. Because these elements have only one oxidation state, you don't need to specify anything with a prefix. For example, #"O"_2"# is sometimes called dioxygen. Find the formula for ionic compounds. FROM THE STUDY SET Chapter 3 View this set In many cases, the stem of the element name comes from the Latin name of the element. Yes, the name for water using the rules for chemical nomenclature is dihydrogen monoxide. , The equation below represents a chemical reaction that occurs in living cells. There is no space between the element name and the parenthesis. The following table lists the most common prefixes for binary covalent compounds. The name of this ionic compound is potassium chloride. Question: Using a maximum of ten sentences, respond to one of the two prompts. After learning a few more details about the names of individual ions, you will be one step away from knowing how to name ionic compounds. Note: Molecules that contain two atoms of the same element, such as oxygen gas, #"O"_2"#, are often given the prefix of di-. If we were to use the stems and suffixes of the common system, the names would be ferrous chloride and ferric chloride, respectively (Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)) . This system is used commonly in naming acids, where H2SO4 is commonly known as Sulfuric Acid, and H2SO3 is known as Sulfurous Acid. since iron can form more than one charge. The naming system is used by determining the number of each atom in the compound. Explanation: Greek prefixes are used for binary (two element) molecular compounds. those for naming ionic compounds. The same issue arises for other ions with more than one possible charge. An ionic compound is named by its cation followed by its anion. An overview of naming molecular and ionic compounds common to general chemistry. The subscripts for each atom in the formula of an ionic compound is the charge of the other atom into which it is bonded. 4 Which element comes first in a covalent compound? When naming molecular compounds prefixes are used to dictate the number of a given element present in the compound. Use just the element name. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.orgor check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Traditional naming Simple ionic compounds. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/ionic-compound-nomenclature-608607. To correctly specify how many oxygen atoms are in the ion, prefixes and suffixes are again used. Example: Cu3P is copper phosphide or copper(I) phosphide. If both elements are in the same column (e.g. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. Name the other non-metal by its elemental name and an -ide ending. The second system, called the common system, is not conventional but is still prevalent and used in the health sciences. Compounds made of a metal and nonmetal are commonly known as Ionic Compounds, where the compound name has an ending of ide. compounds include prefixes that indicate the number of atoms in the It is an ionic compound, therefore no prefixes You use a variety of different compounds in every day life! two ions can combine in only one combination. The above list shows the 10 most basic chemistry prefixes for naming compounds, which come from Greek. Add the name of the non-metal with an -ide ending. Ionic compounds are named by stating the cation first, followed by the anion. This section begins the formal study of nomenclature, the systematic naming of chemical compounds. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 2.10: Naming Binary, Nonmetal Compounds is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. Mono is not used to name the first element. Name the non-metal furthest to the left on the periodic table by its elemental name. A chemical formula is written from the chemical symbols of elements which constitute the compound. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? The prefix hypo - is used to indicate the very lowest oxidation state. Prefixes in molecular compounds are decided by the number of atoms of each element in the compound. In addition, the prefix mono-is not used with the first element; for example, SO 2 is sulfur dioxide, not "monosulfur dioxide". These compounds are neutral overall. Ionic compounds have the simplest naming convention: nothing gets a prefix. ClO - Hypochlorite ClO 2- Chlorite ClO 3- Chlorate ClO 4- Perchlorate "Mono" is not used to name the first element . Example: The classic example is the chemical name for water, H2O, which is dihydrogen monoxide or dihydrogen oxide. The reactants contain a t https://www.thoughtco.com/ionic-compound-nomenclature-608607 (accessed March 5, 2023). This occurs because if the atoms formed an ionic bond, then it would have already become a compound, thus not needing to gain or loose any electrons. Ba3As2 is simply called barium arsenide. Note that arsenic gets the ide suffix because it is an element. This system is used only for elements that form more than one common positive ion. To get 6+, three iron(II) ions are needed, and to get 6, two phosphate ions are needed . Put the two elements together, and dont forget the ide on the second element. Why are Greek prefixes not used in naming ionic compounds? $%t_Um4hET2q4^ _1!C_ You add prefixes ONLY to covalent. This differentiates polyatomic ions from monatomic ions, which contain only one atom. Do you use prefixes when naming covalent compounds? We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. It is also sometimes called the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid. Some examples of molecular compounds are water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Prefixes are only used for covalent compounds formed from non-metal elements. 4. They have a giant lattice structure with strong ionic bonds. The hypo- and per- prefixes indicate less oxygen and more oxygen, respectively. to indicate the amount of each ion indie compound? Cl is chlorine. You will also learn the basics of these chemistry prefixes and how they are applicable in the real world today! With a little bit of practice, naming compounds will become easier and easier! Non-metals, in general, share electrons, form covalent bonds, and form molecular compounds. Subscripts in the formula do not affect the name. 4. Naming ionic compounds. Which metals were used by the Indus Valley civilization? Dont get frustrated with yourself if you dont understand it right away. Focuses on when to use Greek prefixes and Roman numerals, and how to quickl. The polyatomic ions have their own characteristic names, as discussed earlier. Sodium forms only a 1+ ion, so there is no ambiguity about the name sodium ion. Inorganic compounds are compounds that do not deal with the formation of carbohydrates, or simply all other compounds that do not fit into the description of an organic compound. B) ionic compounds involving transition metals. These are two different compounds that need two different names. Community Q&A Search Add New Question Question What is the difference between ionic compounds and covalent compounds? Prefixes used for Covalent Compounds. are used in naming. When naming molecular compounds prefixes are used to dictate the number of a given element present in the compound. When naming a binary molecular compound, the subscript for each element determines what prefix should be used. Aluminum oxide is an ionic compound. For example, copper can form "Cu"^(+)" ions and "Cu"^(2+)" ions. However, this -ous/-ic system is inadequate in some cases, so the Roman numeral system is preferred. [4] Try these next 3 examples on your own to see how you do with naming compounds! Once you have determined each prefix, you need to add the ide suffix if the second name in the compound is an element (this is sometimes not the case for more complex molecules). compounds. Cations have positive charges while anions have negative charges. Which element comes first in a covalent compound? When an element forms two oxyanions, the one with less oxygen is given a name ending in -ite and the one with more oxygen are given a name that ends in -ate. Do you use Greek prefixes when naming a compound? To make life easier, you dont need to include the prefix mono for the first element of the two. Common polyatomic ions. In this compound, the cation is based on nickel. Aluminum Trioxide, it is an ionic compound. A compound forms when two or more atoms of different elements share, donate, or accept electrons. The hypo- and per- prefixes indicate less oxygen and more oxygen, respectively. The cation is the element name followed by a Roman numeral in parentheses if the element has multiple charges. Write the non-metal's name with an "-ide" ending. When naming ionic compounds, why do we not use prefixes (mono-di-, tri-, etc.) suffix -ide. Key Terms Therefore, the proper name for this ionic compound is cobalt(III) oxide. In most cases, the "mono-" prefix can be omitted, because it is implied when it is not present. Remember that this rule only applies to the first element of the two. The anion has the -ide ending for a binary compound or else a polyatomic ion name. Lastly, you will be given different examples to practice with naming chem prefixes. How do you write diphosphorus trioxide? Naming covalent molecular compounds: Left then right, use prefixes. Covalent bonds are molecules made up of non-metals that are linked together by shared electrons.