Ionic Formula Builder — Build and Name Ionic Compounds

Part 1 · Watch how a compound is named

Example: this is a compound you did not build. Step through it to see how its name is made.

Formula

↓

Name

ide

metal's name + nonmetal's name with its ending dropped and -ide added

Part 2 · Your turn: name the compounds you discovered

Type the metal's name, then the nonmetal's name (with the -ide ending), and then the whole compound name. Press Check to see how you did.

Metals that can have more than one charge

Part 1 · Watch how Roman numerals are used (a pair you did not build)

metal's name(Roman numeral for its charge) + nonmetal stem + -ide

Part 2 · Your turn: name each pair you built

Each pair has the same two elements but different formulas. Work out the metal's charge, write it as a Roman numeral, and then name the compound. Press Check on each one.

What is a polyatomic ion?

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that are covalently bonded together and carry an overall charge. The sulfate ion, SO₄²⁻, is one sulfur and four oxygens sharing electrons, and the whole group has a 2− charge.

In an ionic compound the group acts as one single ion: it moves, bonds and balances charge as a unit. You will need to recognize these ions by name and by formula, so let's practice.

Clues: many names end in -ate or -ite (sulfate has one more oxygen than sulfite). A few end in -ide (hydroxide, cyanide). Ammonium is the common one with a positive charge.

Find the ion: tap it in the table

Found from the name0/5

Found from the formula0/5

Part 1 · Watch how a compound is named

Part 2 · Your turn: name the compounds you discovered

Metals that can have more than one charge

Part 1 · Watch how Roman numerals are used (a pair you did not build)

Part 2 · Your turn: name each pair you built

What is a polyatomic ion?

Find the ion: tap it in the table

🎉 You finished everything!

Nice work, !