Chemistry Help

[TheRundownRabbit]

I just need help with naming in Chemistry. When finding the name for a molecular formula, how do I know whether to use -ite, -ate, or -ide at the end?

 

[Vegosiux]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUPAC_nomenclature_of_inorganic_chemistry

I hope it helps you; and whenever you're uncertain about compound names just search for IUPAC nomenclature, you're bound to get some useful links.

 

[SckizoBoy]

I just need help with naming in Chemistry. When finding the name for a molecular formula, how do I know whether to use -ite, -ate, or -ide at the end?

Well, seeing as how [user]Vegosiux[/user] has pretty much given everything that can be said on the matter in that wiki page, I'll add the following:

The -ide ending is pretty much as stated in the page (single atom anion). However, there is absolutely no pattern to the -ite/-ate naming convention, whether it's number of oxygen atoms within the ion, the degree to the which the heteroatom(s) is/are oxidised or the oxidation state of the ion. It is, unfortunately, a case of knowing and remembering (in the cases of nitrite/nitrate, phosphite/phosphate and sulphite/sulphate, all of the above conditions are different, so...). Sorry, chief...

 

[TheRundownRabbit]

Thank you for your help everyone, I think I get it now.