What Does the -ic Suffix Indicate in Chemistry?

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SUMMARY

The suffix -ic in chemistry indicates a higher oxidation state of multivalent transition metals, contrasting with the -ous suffix, which denotes a lower oxidation state. For example, ferric corresponds to iron (III) or Fe3+, while ferrous refers to iron (II) or Fe2+. Similarly, plumbic is Pb4+ and plumbous is Pb2+, while cupric is Cu2+ and cuprous is Cu+. The -ic and -ous suffixes also apply to acids derived from -ate and -ite anions, respectively.

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What does the ic suffix mean in compound names? For instance ferric, plumbic, cupric? I'm guessing it has something to do with the charge on the metal ion?
I have some nomenclature rules from my teacher but this isn't covered. Thanks.
 
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-ic is the coplement to -ous. -ic represents the higher oxidation state; -ous the lower for multivalence transition metallic ions

ferric is equivalent to iron (III) or Fe+3
ferrous is equivilent to iron (II) or Fe+2

plumbic = Pb+4
plumbous = Pb+2

cupric = Cu+2
cuprous = Cu+

The -ic /-ous suffixes are also used for acids of -ate (1 higher oxidation state than -ite),-ite anions respectively
eg, the nitrate ion (NO3-) and nitric acid: HNO3
nitrous ion (NO2-) and nitrous acid: HNO2

or phosphate ion (PO4-3) and phosphoric acid: H3PO4
phosphite ion (PO3-3) and phosphorous acid: H3PO3
 
Thanks, Cesium!
 

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