Question

Give the name of each of the following simple binary ionic compounds. a. \(\mathrm{BeO}\) b. \(\mathrm{MgI}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{~S}\) d. \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) e. HCl f. \(\mathrm{LiF}\) \(\mathrm{g} \cdot \mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{~S}\) h. \(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\)

Short answer

a. Beryllium oxide b. Magnesium iodide c. Sodium sulfide d. Aluminum oxide e. Hydrogen chloride f. Lithium fluoride g. Silver sulfide h. Calcium hydride

Step-by-step solution

a. BeO

The metal, Be, is beryllium. The non-metal, O, is oxygen. We change the ending of the nonmetal to '-ide', so it becomes oxide. Hence, the compound's name is beryllium oxide.

b. MgI2

The metal, Mg, is magnesium. The non-metal, I, is iodine. We change the ending of the nonmetal to '-ide', so it becomes iodide. The subscript '2' means there are two iodine atoms. Hence, the compound's name is magnesium iodide.

c. Na2S

The metal, Na, is sodium. The non-metal, S, is sulfur. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes sulfide. The subscript '2' means there are two sodium atoms. Hence, the compound's name is sodium sulfide.

d. Al2O3

The metal, Al, is aluminum. The non-metal, O, is oxygen. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes oxide. The subscripts '2' and '3' mean there are two aluminum atoms and three oxygen atoms. Hence, the compound's name is aluminum oxide.

e. HCl

The metal, H, is hydrogen. The non-metal, Cl, is chlorine. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes chloride. Hence, the compound's name is hydrogen chloride.

f. LiF

The metal, Li, is lithium. The non-metal, F, is fluorine. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes fluoride. Hence, the compound's name is lithium fluoride.

g. Ag2S

The metal, Ag, is silver. The non-metal, S, is sulfur. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes sulfide. The subscript '2' means there are two silver atoms. Hence, the compound's name is silver sulfide.

h. CaH2

The metal, Ca, is calcium. The non-metal, H, is hydrogen. We change the ending of the non-metal to '-ide', so it becomes hydride. The subscript '2' means there are two hydrogen atoms. Hence, the compound's name is calcium hydride.

Key concepts

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is a system used to name chemical compounds. It is essential because it provides a standardized way to identify substances. This ensures clarity and avoids confusion.

When you come across a compound, its name conveys specific information about its composition. For binary ionic compounds, which are compounds formed by only two elements, the naming follows a universal system.

These names are constructed by stating the name of the metal first, followed by the name of the non-metal. The non-metal's name is modified to end with '-ide'.

Understanding chemical nomenclature helps communicate complex chemical information in a simple, systematic manner. It is a basic yet essential part of chemistry that allows professionals and students alike to discuss compounds accurately and efficiently.

Ionic Bonds

Ionic bonds occur when there is a complete transfer of electrons between atoms. This usually happens between metals and non-metals.

Metals, which tend to lose electrons, become positively charged ions. Non-metals, on the other hand, gain these electrons and become negatively charged ions.

This complete transfer of electrons creates a strong electrostatic force that binds the oppositely charged ions together, forming an ionic compound.

For instance, in the compound \(\mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{~S}\), sodium (Na) donates its electrons to sulfur (S). This creates a stable electronic configuration for both elements.

Ionic bonds result in compounds with high melting and boiling points, indicating the strength of the bond formed between the ions. They also tend to be soluble in water and good conductors of electricity when dissolved.

Compound Naming Rules

Naming binary ionic compounds follows specific rules to ensure consistency.

• Write the name of the metal first: This is straightforward as it remains unchanged.


• Change the non-metal's name ending: The non-metal's name is adapted by replacing its ending with '-ide'. For example, in \(\mathrm{MgI}_{2}\), iodine becomes iodide.


• Numbers and subscripts: Ignore the subscripts in the formula for naming. They indicate the ratio of atoms but do not affect the name of the compound.

These rules are applied consistently to provide a systematic way to name and recognize binary ionic compounds in chemistry. This system allows chemists around the world to identify compounds quickly and accurately, facilitating communication and understanding across the field.