Naming Monoatomic Anions: Videos & Practice Problems

The systematic naming of anions involves changing the ending of a nonmetal's base name to "ide." For example, hydrogen becomes hydride, boron becomes boride, and oxygen becomes oxide. Understanding these base names is crucial for correctly identifying anions, which are negatively charged ions. Familiarity with common nonmetals such as nitrogen (nitride), sulfur (sulfide), and chlorine (chloride) enhances comprehension of ionic compounds and their properties, essential for mastering concepts in chemistry.

Naming Monoatomic Anions Concept 1

The systematic naming of anions involves a specific method where the name of a nonmetal anion, which carries a negative charge, is derived from its base name. This base name is essentially the initial part of the nonmetal's name, with the ending modified to "ide." Understanding the base names of common nonmetals is crucial for correctly naming their anionic forms.

Here are the base names for several common nonmetals:

• Hydrogen: hydra
• Boron: bore
• Carbon: carb
• Silicon: silic
• Nitrogen: nitri
• Phosphorus: phospha
• Oxygen: ox
• Sulfur: sulf
• Selenium: selin
• Tellurium: terller
• Fluorine: fluor
• Chlorine: chlor
• Bromine: brom
• Iodine: iode

To name the anion form of these nonmetals, simply take the base name and add "ide" at the end. For example, the anion for nitrogen would be nitride, and for sulfur, it would be sulfide. Mastering these base names is essential for anyone studying chemistry, as it lays the foundation for understanding ionic compounds and their nomenclature.

Naming Monoatomic Anions Example 1

The anion represented by the formula Se^2- is known as selenide. To derive this name, we start with the base name of the element selenium (Se). In naming anions, the suffix "-ide" is added to the base name. Therefore, Se^2- is referred to as selenide, indicating its negative charge. This naming convention is essential for understanding the properties and classifications of various anions in chemistry.

Which of the following represents the oxide ion?

• A. O
• B. O^2–
• C. O₂
• D. O^3–

Answer: (B)

Which of the following choices correctly names both of the following ions:Mn⁵⁺ and P^3–.

• A. Magnesium ion and Phophate
• B. Manganese ion and phosphide ion
• C. Magnesium (V) ion and phosphide
• D. Manganese (V) ion and posphide

Answer: (D)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the systematic name for the anion of chlorine?

The systematic name for the anion of chlorine is chloride. In the systematic naming of anions, the base name of the nonmetal is retained, and the ending is changed to 'ide.' For chlorine, the base name is 'chlor,' so when it forms an anion with a negative charge, it becomes chloride (Cl^-).

How do you name the anion of sulfur?

The anion of sulfur is named sulfide. In the systematic naming of anions, the base name of the nonmetal is used, and the ending is changed to 'ide.' For sulfur, the base name is 'sulf,' so when it forms an anion with a negative charge, it becomes sulfide (S^2-).

What is the base name for the anion of nitrogen?

The base name for the anion of nitrogen is 'nitri.' In the systematic naming of anions, the base name of the nonmetal is retained, and the ending is changed to 'ide.' Therefore, the anion of nitrogen is called nitride (N^3-).

Why is it important to know the base names of nonmetals for naming anions?

Knowing the base names of nonmetals is crucial for naming anions because the systematic naming method involves changing the ending of the base name to 'ide.' This helps in correctly identifying and naming the anions, which are negatively charged ions. For example, knowing that the base name for oxygen is 'ox' allows you to name its anion as oxide (O^2-). This understanding is essential for mastering concepts in chemistry, especially when dealing with ionic compounds and their properties.

What is the systematic name for the anion of fluorine?

The systematic name for the anion of fluorine is fluoride. In the systematic naming of anions, the base name of the nonmetal is retained, and the ending is changed to 'ide.' For fluorine, the base name is 'fluor,' so when it forms an anion with a negative charge, it becomes fluoride (F^-).