Understand the Names of Compounds from Chemical Formulae

When elements combine or join together, new substances are formed. These substances are called compounds.

Naming compounds isn't as tricky as you may think. Often compounds have similar endings, so you may notice patterns which can help you recognise them if you come across them again in the future.

There are some compounds whose name ends in –ide, eg. a compound of copper and sulfur is called copper sulfide. Also, compounds that have chlorine, bromine, iodine, fluorine or oxygen at the end will end in -ide.

Other compound's names may end in –ate, or even -hydroxide.

There are a few common ones below:

Let's have a go at seeing if you can recognise and name some of these common, but more tricky compounds. You may like to have a copy of the periodic table handy.