Naming Binary Ionic Compounds

Abstract

This activity for a one-semester GOB course for health professions, introduces naming and writing formulas for binary ionic compounds. Students classify selected main group elements as metals/non-metals, identify cations and anions and assign charge. Students explore a series of metal chloride salts (names and formulas) to determine the pattern for naming ionic compounds of main group metals and metals with variable charge. Finally, students apply these processes to develop a “rule” for writing formulas for ionic compounds. Teamwork is emphasized and opportunities to report out appear throughout the activity.

Learning objectives:

• Classify and identify cations and anions of main group elements; assign charge based on periodic table group number and number of valence electrons.
• Write the name and formula for ionic compounds using the periodic table.
• Develop rules for identifying cations and anions, assigning charge, naming and writing formulas of ionic compounds.

Level: Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Chemistry
Course: General, Organic & Biochemistry (GOB)
Keywords:   anions and cations, binary ionic compounds, nomenclature, metals with variable charge