PxQy
If (P=H) {
Compound is an acid (HNO3, Nitric Acid)
}
Else {
If (> 2 elements) {
Compound contains a polyatomic ion; name generally ends in ite or ate
If (P=Group A) {
Name the ions (Li2CO3, Lithium Carbonate)
}
Else {
Name the ions; use a Roman numeral with the cation (CuSO4, copper(II) sulfate)
}
}
Else {
Compound is binary; name ends in ide
If (P=Metal) {
if (P=Group A) {
Name the ions; use the roman numeral with the cation (FeCl2, iron(II) chloride)
}
Else {
name the ions (BaS, barium Sulfide)
}
}
Else {
Compound is binary molecular; use prefixes in the name (N203, dinitrogen trioxide)
}
}
}