Chemical Formula and Name Calculator

Chemical Naming Rules:

For ionic compounds: [Cation][Anion] (e.g., NaCl = Sodium Chloride)

For covalent compounds: [Prefix][Element][Prefix][Element+ide] (e.g., CO₂ = Carbon Dioxide)

Result:

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1. What is a Chemical Formula and Name Calculator?

This calculator converts between chemical formulas and their systematic names following IUPAC nomenclature rules. It handles both ionic and covalent compounds.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses standard chemical naming conventions:

Ionic Compounds: [Cation][Anion] (e.g., NaCl = Sodium Chloride)

Covalent Compounds: [Prefix][Element][Prefix][Element+ide] (e.g., N₂O₅ = Dinitrogen Pentoxide)

Key Rules:

Cations keep their element name (Na⁺ = Sodium)
Monatomic anions end with -ide (Cl⁻ = Chloride)
Polyatomic ions have specific names (SO₄²⁻ = Sulfate)
Covalent compounds use Greek prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-, etc.)

3. Importance of Chemical Nomenclature

Details: Standardized chemical names ensure clear communication in science. Proper naming allows accurate identification of substances and their properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter either a chemical formula (e.g., "H2SO4") or name (e.g., "sulfuric acid"). The calculator will convert between them.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What naming system does this calculator use?
A: The calculator follows IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature rules.

Q2: Does it work for organic compounds?
A: This version focuses on inorganic compounds. Organic compound naming follows different rules.

Q3: How are transition metals handled?
A: For metals with multiple oxidation states, Roman numerals indicate the charge (e.g., Iron(III) chloride for FeCl₃).

Q4: What about hydrates and acids?
A: Hydrates are supported (e.g., CuSO₄·5H₂O = Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate). Acids use -ic/-ous suffixes (HCl = Hydrochloric acid).

Q5: Are parentheses in formulas handled?
A: Yes, parentheses indicate polyatomic groups (e.g., Ca(OH)₂ = Calcium hydroxide).