Naming Covalent Compounds

Naming Covalent Compounds

Read the information and answer the questions that follow. Remember the prefixes used for naming covalent compounds.

Covalent bonds are formed when two nonmetal atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Unlike ionic bonds where electrons are transferred, covalent bonds involve the mutual sharing of electrons. The way we name these compounds follows a specific set of rules.

Prefixes for Covalent Compounds:

1 - mono- 2 - di- 3 - tri- 4 - tetra- 5 - penta- 6 - hexa- 7 - hepta- 8 - octa- 9 - nona- 10 - deca-

1. Covalent bonds are formed when two   atoms   electrons.

2. The prefix for two is  , and the prefix for five is  .

Rules for Naming Binary Covalent Compounds:

1. The first element in the formula is named first using its full element name. 2. The second element is named by taking the root of the element name and adding the suffix -ide. 3. Prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element. The prefix 'mono-' is usually omitted for the first element. 4. If the prefix ends in 'a' or 'o' and the element name begins with a vowel, the 'a' or 'o' of the prefix is often dropped (e.g., carbon monoxide, not carbon monooxide).

3. What is the main difference between naming ionic and covalent compounds?

4. What is the correct name for the compound N₂O₄?

5. What is the chemical formula for sulfur hexafluoride?

Match the chemical formula with its correct covalent compound name.

Give the chemical name for the following formulas:

11. SO₃

12. N₂O₅

Write the chemical formula for the following names:

13. Diphosphorus pentoxide

14. Silicon dioxide