Naming Molecular Compounds!

Chemical Nomenclature Part 2!

We started off going over the 7 diatomic molecules, as well as the 2 polyatomics. Diatomic molecules consist of two atoms of the same element. Don't forget, H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, and I₂! Polyatomic molecules consist of several atoms of the same element. Don't forget, P₄ and S₈!

NAMING MOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
To name a molecular compound, we use the name of the first element, then we write the second element with an ending prefix of "ide". The first atom usually does not have a prefix. Hydrogen does not get a prefix. Also, if only one atom of the element exists in the compound, the first element in the compound does not have a prefix. The second element, however, must carry a prefix to indicate how many atoms of that element exist in the compound.

Here is a very handy list of prefixes:

We should also memorize the following list of IUPAC names and formulas:

• Water --> H₂O
• Hydrogen Peroxide --> H₂O₂
• Ammonia --> NH₃
• Glucose --> C₆H₁₂O₆
• Sucrose --> C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
• Methane --> CH₄
• Propane --> C₃H₈
• Octane --> C₈H₁₈
• Methanol --> CH₃OH
• Ethanol --> C₂H₅OH

Examples:
NO → Nitrogen Monoxide H₂S → Hydrogen Sulphide
N₂O₄ → Dinitrogen Tetraoxide
CS₂ → Carbon Disulphide
P₄O₁₀ → Tetraphosphorous Decaoxide

NAMING ACIDS AND BASES
Compounds with Hydrogen are acids.Hydrogen appears first in the formula unless it is part of a polyatomic group. The IUPAC System uses the aqueous hydrogen compound. Polyatomic acids use the suffix '-ic', and binary acids use the prefix 'hydro-'.

Examples:
HCL --> Hydrochloric Acid
H₂SO₄-->Sulfuric Acid
CH₂COOH --> Acetic Acid/Ethanol Acid

We must memorize the following:

Hydrochloric Acid -->HCL
Nitric Acid -->HNO₂
Sulphuric Acid --> H₂SO₄
Phosphoric Acid --> H₂PO₄
Acetic Acid --> C₂COOH

Naming bases is really quite simple! We use cations followed by OH (Hydroxide)

Examples:
NaOH --> Sodium Hydroxide
BA(OH)₂ --> Barium Hydroxide

USING A BUNSEN BURNER
Next class, we will be doing a lab involving the use of a Bunsen burner. Safety is crucial! When using the Bunsen burner, check the tube; make sure it is not brittle, because gas can escape.The gas being used is butane, which is lighter than air. We turn on ventilation to clean out the air from excess gas.To use a Bunsen Burner, first strike the match. Then, put the match over the burner, before you turn on the valve to release the gas.

In class today, Mr. Doktor used the bunsen burner to heat up magnesium, which created a bright white light, which is also seen as the white light in fireworks. Here is a video of the chemical reaction:

ALWAYS ASSUME THE FLAME IS ON! Everything burns quickly; we are all subject to immediate physical harm if the bunsen burner is being used improperly. We could be sent to the hospital, so we must treat the bunsen burner with respect. If you are harmed by the bunsen burner in any way, shape, or form, go straight to the safety shower.

Next class is the hydrate lab! Be prepared!