Nomenclature Flow Chart

�Before You Begin:

To use this flow chart, you will need to be familiar with periodic law and the information found on a periodic table and types of compounds. The flow chart does not explain the nomenclature rules or give examples. It only gives the logic behind determining which set of nomenclature rules to follow.

Choose a formula to name. Begin at the top of the chart and ask yourself each of the questions. If the answer is 'yes,' follow the arrow to the right and ask the next question. If the answer is 'no,' follow the arrow down and ask the next question. Eventually you will get to a rectangle that will tell you which rule to apply.

nomenclature flow chart

4Concept Check: What is the name of HBr(aq)?

Answer: HBr is hydrobromic acid. It does not contain a metal or the NH₄⁺¹ ion, so it is not ionic. The formula does begin with H, so it is an acid. The anion is Br^-1, bromide. This ends in -ide and the compound is aqueous, so it is named as an acid. the format is hydro__ic acid, and the root is -brom-.

This site was last updated 06/13/05