Nomenclature—Naming Compounds that Only Contain Nonmetals

Packet #17

Introduction

• Compounds that only contain nonmetals are named in a way that is somewhat similar to the rules of naming ionic compounds.

Rules for Naming Compounds that Contain Only Nonmetals

• The first element in the formula is named first.• The full element name is used

• The second element is named as though it was an anion.

• Prefixes are used to denote the number of the atoms present.• The prefix mono is never used for the naming

of the first element.• CO

• Named carbon monoxide NOT monocarbon monoxide

Example I

• BF3

• First element is boron

• Second element is named fluoride as though it is an anion

• Use of prefixes• Tri goes with

fluoride• Boron trifluoride

Example Set II

• NO• Nitrogen oxide

• N2O5

• Dinitrogen pentoxide• The a in penta was

dropped to allow easier pronounciation.

• CO2

• Carbon dioxide

• P4O6

• Tetraphosphorus hexaoxide

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