Ionic

 Compounds:    
Opposites  Do  Attract  

Lesson 3
Lab  Experiment:  Naming  Ionic  Compounds  

Introduction
Learning chemistry is similar to learning a new language. We begin with the nouns of
our new language by learning to write and name compound formulae. Metals, elements
on the left side of the periodic table, will lose their electrons and form ions with a
positive charge known as cations. Nonmetals on the right side of the periodic table
tend to form ions with a negative charge and are known as anions. When positively
charged ions meet ions with a negative charge, ionic compounds are formed that have
no NET charge. This means that the ions combine in such a way that the electrons lost
by the metals are equal to the electrons gained by the nonmetals. This means that the
positive charge assigned to the metal ions must equal the negative charge of the
nonmetal that it is combined with.
The steps for naming ionic compounds are outlined below:
Step 1
Identify compounds as either ionic or molecular. The nomenclature system for ionic
compounds is different than the one for molecular compounds. As a result, the first
task is to identify the compound as ionic or molecular. Using the definitions below,
classify the following compounds as ionic or molecular.
Ionic compounds usually contain a metal and a nonmetal and differ from molecular
compounds, which contain only nonmetals. In the periodic table shown in Figure 3.1
below, metals are to the left of the staircase shown in bold and nonmetals are on the
right.

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 19

 Figure 3.1 Vertical columns, called Groups or Families of elements, form ions with the same charge.
Illustration by Don Vierstra.

Step 2
Ionic compounds may contain two types of metals: metals with a fixed charge and
metals with a variable charge. Fixed charge metals include those in Group 1A and
Group 2A of the periodic table as well as Al, Ga, Zn, Cd, or Ag. All other metals are
considered variable charge metals. The figure below shows where to find the fixed
charge metals on the periodic table, and provides the predicted charge on the fixed
charge metals.

Figure 3.2
Step 3
Ionic compounds that contain a fixed charge metal and a nonmetal anion are named by
giving the name of the metal and the name of the anion with an “-ide” ending. Notice
that the name of the cation is always written first (i.e., NaCl is called sodium chloride).
(Metal + nonmetal ide).

20 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract

 Step 4
If the ionic compound contains a variable charge metal and a nonmetal anion, we use
the name of the metal, followed by its charge using roman numerals in parentheses,
and the name of the nonmetal with an -ide ending.
Metal (charge) + nonmetal ide
We use the charges on the nonmetals to determine the charge on the metals. For the
compound SnCl4, after recognizing tin (Sn) as a variable charge metal, we need to look
to the nonmetal to find the metal’s charge. Chlorine is in Group 7A and forms an ion
with a 1 – charge. Since we have four Cl – ions, the total negative charge in the
compound is –4. Since there is only one Sn and our compound is neutral, the charge on
tin must be 4+. It is called tin(IV) chloride.
Figure 3.3 below has a list of common nonmetals. Their charges as determined from
their position on the periodic table when they are being combined with a metal.

Figure 3.3
Step 5
Ionic compounds can also contain a polyatomic ion (an ion that contains more than one
atom). Below is a list of some polyatomic ions with their names and charges. You only
need to memorize a few of these—the ones you will use most often are listed here:
➛ ammonium (NH4+)
➛ acetate (C2H3O2-)
➛ hydroxide (OH-)
You may recognize many of these in your laundry bleach, baking soda, baking
powder, wine, bacon, lunch meats, and even garden products. Notice that the
ammonium ion (NH4+) is the only one with a positive charge. All the other ions have a
negative charge. It may also be helpful to know that:
➛ The sulfur-oxygen containing ions have a −2 charge, just like the sulfide ion,
S2-.
➛ The phosphorus-oxygen containing ions have a −3 charge, just like the
phosphide ion, P3-.
➛ The chlorine-oxygen, bromine-oxygen, and iodine-oxygen containing ions have
a −1 charge, just like the anion in the binary compounds of the halogens in
Group 7A, Cl−, Br− and I−.
➛ When a hydrogen atom is added to an ion, it adds a +1 to the charge. For
example, sulfate is SO42-, adding a hydrogen we get hydrogen sulfate, which is
HSO4−.

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 21

 ➛ Sulfur-oxygen and phosphorus-oxygen ions with four oxygen atoms have an
ending of “-ate”; reduce the number of oxygen atoms from four to three and the
ending becomes “-ite.” With Group 7A ions, those with three or four (“per-” is
also included as prefix to note this larger value) oxygen atoms have an ending
of “-ate”; one or two (“per-” is also included as prefix to note this larger value)
oxygen atoms gives the ion an ending of “-ite.”

Element Ion Name Formula

Nitrogen Nitrite NO2−

Nitrate NO3−
Ammonium NH4+

Sulfur Sulfite SO32−

Sulfate SO42−
Hydrogen sulfate (or bisulfate) HSO4−

Phosphorus Phosphite PO33−

Phosphate PO43−
Monohydrogen phosphate HPO42−
Dihydrogen phosphate H2PO4−
Chlorine Hypochlorite ClO−
Chlorite ClO2−
Chlorate ClO3−
Perchlorate ClO4−
Carbon Acetate C2H3O2− or
Carbonate CH3COO−
Hydrogen carbonate or CO32−
bicarbonate HCO3−
Cyanide CN−
Oxygen & Hydroxide OH−
Hydrogen Peroxide O2 2 −

Figure 3.4

22 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract

 When naming ionic compounds that contain a polyatomic ion, we do not alter the
name of the ion and use the same rules as above for fixed and variable charge metals.
For example:
KOH potassium hydroxide
FeSO4 iron(II) sulfate

Step 6
Given the name of an ionic compound, how do we figure out its formula?
1. The electrons lost must equal the electrons gained. For example, if our compound
is that magnesium chloride, we know that magnesium loses two electrons (it is in
Group 2A) and that chlorine gains one electron. We will need two chloride ions
(Group 7A) to balance the 2+ charge on magnesium. Our formula is then MgCl2.
2. We can also shortcut this process by using the charges on each ion and criss-
crossing them to get the subscripts in our formula. This is how it works for
aluminum oxide:
Al3+ and O2– → Al2O3.

If we use this method, it is important to remember that if the subscript is 1, we ignore

it, and that ionic compounds are always represented by the lowest whole-numbered
ratios. This is how it works for tin(IV) oxide:
Sn4+ and O2– → Sn2O4, reducing it to SnO2

3. If our ionic compound has more than one polyatomic ion present, we use
parentheses and a subscript to represent the number of polyatomic ions needed.
This is how it works for calcium phosphate:
Ca2+ and PO43– → Ca3(PO4)2

Purpose
Ionic compounds are omnipresent. We use them every day in laundry detergents, home
paints, and in the food we eat and beverages we drink. Food labels contain the names
of many ionic compounds, such as sodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium
sulfite, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide, to name just a few. The purpose
of this experiment is to increase your ability to read and understand the ingredients on
food labels as a first step to eating a more healthy diet and being a more informed
consumer.

Learning Objectives
After completing this laboratory activity, you will be able to:
1. Name common ionic compounds given their chemical formulas.
2. Derive chemical formulas from compound names.
3. Identify ionic compounds in common household and other everyday products.

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 23

Duration
This laboratory exercise will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

Materials
The activities will be performed using the following materials provided in the lab kit,
as well as materials readily available in your home. However, you may need to
purchase some of the materials if you do not already have them in your home. Be sure
you have all materials listed below before starting the activity.

Material Needed Amount

Small glass cup (4 oz. is sufficient)* 1

Tablespoon measure* 1

Sugar* 1 tablespoon (T)

Honey* 1T

Conductivity meter 1

Baking soda* 1T

Table salt* 1T

Bleach* 1T

Drain cleaner (Drano or generic brand)* 1T

Epsom salt* 1T

Miracle-Gro plant food* 1T

Antacid tablet (Tums, Rolaids, or generic
brand)* 2 tablets

Water* 2 cups (16 oz.)

* Items to be provided by the student

Safety
There are no safety concerns associated with this assignment so long as you follow
standard precautions for the products found in the home. For the wet lab experiment,
however, special care should be taken when handling the drain cleaner and the bleach;
avoid ingesting, inhaling, or allowing these substances to contact your skin or your

24 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract

 eyes. In the event of contact, flush your eyes or wash the affected skin area thoroughly
with water. Work in a well-ventilated space and do not mix these substances with other
household chemicals, since this could create toxic vapors that can also be harmful.
Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves and to protect your clothing with a
rubber apron. Wash your hands after handling and wipe down all surfaces thoroughly
with water once the lab experiment is finished.

Procedure & Data

Part A—Dry Lab
1. Use the definition of an ionic compound to determine which of the following
compounds are ionic and which are molecular. Record your answers in
Table 3.1 below.

Ionic Compound Ionic or Molecular

CO2

NaCl

CaO

SF6

CuS

NO2
Table 3.1

2. Label each of the following metals as fixed or variable charge metals. If the
metal has a fixed charge, include the predicted charge on the metal. Record
your answers in Table 3.2 below.

Metal Type & Charge

Li
Mg
Fe
Ni
Ca
Al
Table 3.2

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 25

 3. Name the following ionic compounds with fixed charge metals. Record your
answers on the data table. Record your answers in Table 3.3 below.

Ionic Compound Fixed Charge Metal Name

BaCl2
KBr
MgO
Na2S
Al2O3
Table 3.3

4. Name the following ionic compounds with variable charge metals. Use the
charge on the anions to figure out the charge on the variable charge metals.
Record your answers in Table 3.4 below.

Ionic Compound Variable Charge Metal Name

FeCl2
Cr2O3
MnS
CoBr3
NiF4
Table 3.4

5. Name the following ionic compounds. Note that each compound contains a
polyatomic ion. Record your answers in Table 3.5 below.

Ionic Compound Name

Ni3(PO4)2
AuCH3COO
KNO3
NaClO
NH4Cl
Table 3.5

26 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract

 6. Give the formulas for each of the following ionic compounds. Record your
answers in Table 3.6 below.
Ionic Compound Ionic Compound Formula
aluminum acetate

magnesium nitrate

iron(III) sulfide

potassium sulfite

zinc oxide

Table 3.6

Part B—Wet Lab

We can use a general rule to differentiate between common ionic and molecular
compounds. Ionic compounds are generally soluble in water and dissociate, or break
down, to form ions. Solutions that contain ions will conduct electricity and are
therefore known as electrolyte solutions.
Test the solubility and electrical conductivity of the following substances:
➛ baking soda
➛ Miracle-Gro (plant food)
➛ sugar
➛ honey
➛ bleach
➛ drain cleaner (Drano)
➛ Epsom salt
➛ antacid tablet (crushed)

Follow these procedures for each of the eight substances listed above. Use caution
when handling Drano and bleach; do not get these liquids on your hands or in your
eyes.
1. Add one-half teaspoon of the substance to one-quarter cup of water in a small
glass cup.
2. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes.
3. If the majority of the substance dissolves, record it as soluble in Table 3.7
below.
4. Place a conductivity meter in the cup containing the substance in solution.
(Make sure both electrodes are in the water/solution.) Record the result in
Table 3.7 below.
5. Record your conclusion in the final column of Table 3.7. Is the compound
ionic or molecular in nature?

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 27

 6. Flush the solution down the drain with plenty of water, taking care not to splash
or transfer the solution on your eyes, skin, or clothing.
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the remaining compounds using a fresh water
sample each time.
Cleanup
If not done already as described above, dispose of all ingredients in the sink, along
with plenty of water.

Substance Soluble in Conduct Ionic or

water? Electricity? Molecular?
Baking soda

Table salt

Miracle-Gro

Sugar

Honey

Bleach

Drain cleaner

Epsom salt

Crushed antacid
tablet
Table 3.7 Wet Lab Results

28 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract

Analysis & Application
1. Use knowledge from this lesson to help you solve this crossword puzzle:

ACROSS DOWN

2. Bacon typically contains the preservative 1. One compound that is a key ingredient in baking
NaNO3, known as sodium ________________. soda in NaHCO3, or sodium _______________.
4. Fe2O3, or ________________ oxide, is also 3. The compound Al2O3, called aluminum
known as rust and is formed when this metal _______________, is formed when the
element reacts with water. aluminum in airplane skins reacts with moisture
6. Name for the polyatomic ion BrO3
- in the air.
7. The common home laundry product 5. The most effective sunscreen is ZnO, known as
_________________ contains sodium _________________ oxide.
hypochlorite, or NaClO. 8. One compound that is a key ingredient in drain
9. Some wines contain the ionic compound cleaner is NaOH, or sodium _______________.
2
Na SO3, known as sodium ______________. 9. The total number of atoms in one unit of
2
10. Used in hand warmers or hot packs, NaC2H3O2 Mg(ClO2)
is called sodium _________________.
3-
11. PO4 , or _______________ ions, used to be
added to laundry detergents until it was
discovered that this ion strips oxygen from lakes.
12. NaF, called sodium _________________, is
added to tap water to protect against tooth
decay/dental cavities.

Lesson 3/Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract 29

 2. Of the materials you tested during the lab, which one was molecular? What
evidence do you have to support your answer?

3. Why might a home product that you suspect should be molecular conduct
electricity slightly when put in solution?

4. Look on the ingredient labels of the home products you tested. Did those with ionic
compounds listed as main ingredients conduct electricity? If not, explain why you
think that happened.

5. Did all of the ionic compounds conduct the same in solution? Explain.

Videos & Questions

Watch Video #1 for Lesson 3 on the CD that is included with your lab kit and answer
the question below.
1. Which of the compounds studied in the Wet Lab experiment for this lesson would
be classified as electrolytes?

Watch Video #2 for Lesson 3 on the CD that is included with your lab kit and answer
the question below.
2. Which metal ions always have the same charge?

30 Lesson 3/ Ionic Compounds: Opposites Do Attract