2.6 Molecules and Ions

Objectives: describe binary compounds; name binary ionic compounds (Type I, which contain all monatomic ions), name binary ionic compounds (Type II, which contain a polyatomic ion or a transition metal cation), describe the system to name transition metal cations; explain the system to name oxyanions; name binary covalent compounds (Type III, which contain two nonmetals bonded), name acids that have a monatomic anion; name acids that have a polyatomic anion.

NaCl Reaction ChemTour

Formation of Ionic Compound NaCl

Glossary

covalent bond a bond formed between atoms that share electrons

molecule a bonded collection of two or more atoms of the same or different elements

chemical formula a way to represent a molecule where the symbols for the elements are used to indicate the types of atoms present and subscripts are used to indicate the relative numbers of atoms

structural formula a way to represent a molecule in which the individual bonds are shown (indicated by lines)

ion an atom or a group of atoms that has a net positive or negative charge

cation a positive ion

anion a negative ion

ionic bond a bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions

polyatomic ion an ion containing a number of atoms