Understanding Naming Ionic Formulas: Parentheses and Roman Numerals Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the naming of ionic compounds, specifically focusing on the use of parentheses and Roman numerals in chemical nomenclature. Participants explore examples of ternary compounds and express confusion regarding the correct naming conventions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about when to use parentheses with Roman numerals in naming ionic compounds, particularly ternary compounds.
  • Examples provided include CuC2H3O2 and CaC2O4, with initial incorrect names suggested for these compounds.
  • Another participant corrects the first compound to copper acetate and clarifies the importance of recognizing organic radicals in its naming.
  • For the second compound, the naming as calcium oxalate is confirmed as correct.
  • There is a correction regarding the third compound, Hg2Cl2, which was initially misidentified as copper sulfate; it is suggested to be mercury (I) chloride instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the naming of the first compound, as there is confusion regarding its classification. However, there is agreement on the naming of calcium oxalate. The discussion on Hg2Cl2 shows a correction of an earlier mistake, but the initial confusion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of the examples provided and the level of understanding of the participants, which may affect the accuracy of the naming conventions discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about chemical nomenclature, particularly those encountering challenges with ternary ionic compounds and the use of Roman numerals in naming.

Tabe
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Okay, I am so confused about how to determine whether or not you have to use the parenthesis with the Roman numeral. It is confusing me because some of the compounds that I have to write the name for, are ternary compounds, and I'm not sure which order they go in.
:confused:
 
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Give us an example showing where your confusion lies, and we'll help you out with it.
 
The problems that I was having trouble with are: CuC2H3O2 and CaC2O4
*the numbers are subscripts by the way*
for the first one I got Copper carbon hydrogen peroxide
for the second one I got Calcium oxalate.
Also, I'm not sure if I did this problem right: Hg2Cl2
For the answer, I got Copper (II) Sulfate. Is that right, or have I been doing this completely wrong?
 
Tabe said:
The problems that I was having trouble with are: CuC2H3O2 and CaC2O4
*the numbers are subscripts by the way*
for the first one I got Copper carbon hydrogen peroxide
for the second one I got Calcium oxalate.
Also, I'm not sure if I did this problem right: Hg2Cl2
For the answer, I got Copper (II) Sulfate. Is that right, or have I been doing this completely wrong?

The first is actually copper acetate, or Cu(+) CH3COO(-). It is important that you recognize that this has an organic radical. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a compound (albeit a little unstable - but then, most peroxide linkages are unstable) by itself, and I surely have never heard of it existing as such, as part of another compound.
The second is correct.

As for the third, I'm sure you've mistyped something, because Hg2Cl2 is definitely not copper sulfate ! :eek:

I'll leave this to chem_tr : he's the resident expert in organometallics, and your particular type of problem is rather unusual. Further, it's not clear what level you are at.
 
Last edited:
Well, for the third problem, I kinda typed the question on the opposite page. The correct problem should have been Hg2Cl2, which I think would be Mercury (I) chloride.
 
That's right.
 

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