Chemical Name Calculator
Convert between chemical formulas and names using IUPAC nomenclature
Chemical Nomenclature Tools
Enter the molecular formula using standard chemical notation
Formula Format Tips
• Use proper capitalization: Na (sodium), Cl (chlorine)
• Include subscripts as numbers: H2O, CaCl2
• Use parentheses for polyatomic ions: Ca(NO3)2
• Examples: NaCl, H2SO4, Al2O3, NH4Cl
Nomenclature Results
Analysis Method
Analysis Details
IUPAC Naming Rules
Typical Properties
Common Uses
Quick Reference
Example: Naming Iron Compounds
Iron(II) Oxide vs Iron(III) Oxide
FeO: Iron(II) oxide (Fe has +2 charge)
Fe₂O₃: Iron(III) oxide (Fe has +3 charge)
Naming rule: Use Roman numerals for transition metals with multiple possible charges
Alternative names: Ferrous oxide (FeO), Ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃)
Why Roman Numerals?
Transition metals can form ions with different charges
Roman numerals specify which oxidation state is present
This prevents confusion between different compounds of the same elements
Compound Types
Common Polyatomic Ions
Naming Tips
Cation (positive) always comes first
Anion (negative) comes second
Use -ide suffix for simple anions
Roman numerals for variable charges
Memorize common polyatomic ions
Understanding Chemical Nomenclature
What is Chemical Nomenclature?
Chemical nomenclature is the systematic naming of chemical compounds according to established rules. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) sets the standards for naming compounds to ensure clear communication among scientists worldwide.
Types of Compounds:
- • Ionic: Metal + nonmetal (or polyatomic ions)
- • Molecular: Nonmetal + nonmetal covalent bonds
- • Acids: Hydrogen compounds that release H⁺ ions
- • Organic: Carbon-based compounds with special rules
Naming Rules
Binary Ionic Compounds
Name the metal first, then the nonmetal with -ide suffix. Use Roman numerals for metals with multiple charges.
Polyatomic Compounds
Name the cation first, then the polyatomic anion. No suffix change for polyatomic ions.
Molecular Compounds
Use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-) to indicate the number of each element.
Applications and Importance
Scientific Communication
Ensures clear understanding of chemical compositions across languages and cultures.
Safety and Labeling
Proper naming helps identify hazardous materials and their properties for safe handling.
Industrial Applications
Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and research require precise chemical identification.
Common Naming Patterns
Acid Naming
Binary acids: hydro- + element + -ic acid
Example: HCl → hydrochloric acid
Oxyacids: element + -ic/-ous acid
Example: H₂SO₄ → sulfuric acid
Ion Naming Patterns
-ate vs -ite: Higher vs lower oxidation state
Example: SO₄²⁻ (sulfate) vs SO₃²⁻ (sulfite)
per- and hypo-: Highest and lowest states
Example: ClO₄⁻ (perchlorate) vs ClO⁻ (hypochlorite)