Identify whether the compound is ionic, covalent, or an acid
Name the cation first and the anion second for ionic compounds
Use the element name for monatomic cations
Use the root of the nonmetal name plus -ide for monatomic anions
Use Roman numerals for metals with multiple possible charges
Use prefixes for covalent compounds to show the number of atoms
Use mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, and deca- for covalent compounds
Do not use mono- on the first element in covalent compounds
Name acids starting with hydro- for binary acids
Use the root of the nonmetal plus -ic acid for binary acids
Use -ate endings to form -ic acid names for oxyacids
Use -ite endings to form -ous acid names for oxyacids
Keep polyatomic ion names unchanged
Memorize common polyatomic ions
Check the compound’s formula to determine the correct name
Write the name in the correct order based on compound type