Chemistry flow chart for naming compounds Is it a binary compound? (2 different elements) YES Is there a polyatomic ion? Is there a metal present? (Is it ionic?) NO NO YES YES TYPE III: It is a MOLECULAR compound. Use prefixes. The anion should still end in “‐ide” Can the metal form more than one cation? (Is it a transition metal?) NO
YES Type I: Use the element name for the cation; anion must have end in “–ide” Type II: Determine the charge on the cation by using the reverse crossover method; use Roman numerals after the cation name; anion must end in “–ide” Use your list of common polyatomic ions to help you name your compound. They usually end in “‐ate” or “‐ite”.