NAMING COMPOUNDS

6.2 - Ternary Compounds

Ternary compounds are compounds that consist of more than two elements. In naming and writing the formulae for ternary compounds, we follow rules that are similar to binary compounds. In this course, you will need to learn some polyatomic ions.

This list of polyatomic cations and anions is accessible by clicking on the and find the icon. Be sure to learn their names, formulae and their charges.

Here are some examples:

Rules for naming ternary compounds:

1. Decide if the metal is a metal with fixed ionic charge or variable charge.
2. Name the metal, following the rules in naming for:
   • metal with fixed ionic charge, or
   • metal with variable charge
     
3. Name the polyatomic anion following the name of the metal.
4. No Greek prefixes necessary here because the metal charge is either implicitly or explicitly specified and, therefore, in forming a compound, there is only one possible combination with the polyatomic anion.
5. For compounds containing NH₄⁺ cations:
   • Name the cation first followed by the anion (remember that for simple anion, the ending is in -ide ).

    

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

Section 7.4
Ternary and Higher Compounds ..p171

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