Formula Writing

Know the different types of formulas.

Write correctly the symbols and formulas of
atoms, ions and compounds.
Write the symbols of the metal and
nonmetal

Potassium oxide

K O
Write the charges of each element as
superscripts
Group # Charge Group # Charge
1 +1 15 -3
2 +2 16 -2
13 +3 17 -1
Potassium oxide
K+1 O-2
Drop the (+) and (-) signs and crisscross the
superscripts so they become subscripts.
Reduce when possible.

Potassium oxide
K1 O2

K2O
Same rules applicable for the polyatomic ions

Calcium hydroxide
Ca+2 OH-1

Ca(OH)2
Do not change the formula of the polyatomic
ion
Reduce subscripts
Calcium sulfate
Ca+2 SO4-2

Ca2(SO4)2
CaSO4
For metals or cations with multiple charges
Old system: Latin name with suffix –ic for
the higher charge and –ous for the lower
charge
Stannous is Sn+2
Stannic is Sn+4
For metals or cations with multiple charges
Old system: Latin name with suffix –ic for
the higher charge and –ous for the lower
charge
Stannous oxide is SnO  Sn+2 O-2
Stannic oxide is SnO2  Sn+4 O-2
For metals or cations with multiple charges
Stock system: Name and charge written as
Roman numeral in parenthesis
Tin(II) oxide is SnO
Tin(IV) oxide is SnO2
Name tells the formula. Prefix Meaning
Do not reduce the subscripts. Mono- 1
Di- 2
Tri- 3
Tetraphosphorus decaoxide Tetra- 4
Penta- 5
Hexa- 6
P4O10 Hepta- 7
Octa- 8
P2O5 is WRONG!!! Nona- 9
Deca- 10
Binary:
Rules of ionic compounds
Name ends in –ic acid

Hydrochloric acid
H+1 Cl-1
HCl
Oxyacids:
 –ic acid for polyatomic anion with higher
number of O (names ending in –ate)
 –ous acid for polyatomic anion with lower
number of O (names ending in –ite)
Nitric acid  hydrogen + nitrate
H+1 NO3-1
HNO3
Oxyacids:
 –ic acid for polyatomic anion with higher
number of O (names ending in –ate)
 –ous acid for polyatomic anion with lower
number of O (names ending in –ite)
Nitrous acid  hydrogen + nitrite
H+1 NO2-1
HNO2