NAMING COMPOUNDS

6.1 - Binary Compounds

6.1.1 - Binary compounds containing two nonmetals

Before we proceed, you need to be able to identify which elements are the nonmetals. Click on the elements to the right to locate the nonmetals on the periodic table.

Here are some examples of binary compounds containing two nonmetals:

Rules for naming binary compounds containing two nonmetals:

1. The second element has the ending -ide.
2. The number of atoms of each element is indicated with Greek prefixes. In the case of mono-, it is only used for the second nonmetal. When no prefix appears, one atom is assumed.
3. If two vowels appear next to each other, the vowel from the Greek prefix is dropped. This is for ease of pronunciation.

• monooxide becomes monoxide
• tetraoxide becomes tetroxide
• pentaoxide becomes pentoxide

Let's apply the above rules and name the above examples. Click on each formula to check the name of each compound.

Section 7.2
Binary Compounds Containing Two Nonmetals ..p166

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