Which Element Comes First When Naming a Covalent Compound

Rule 1. The element with the lower group number is written first in the name; the element with the higher group number is written second in the name. Exception: when the compound contains oxygen and a halogen, the name of the halogen is the first word in the name.

Which element comes first when naming compounds?

If the compound is made of a metal element and a nonmetal element, then the metal element is first. If there are two nonmetal elements, then the first name is the element to the left side of the periodic table. Examples: In a compound that contains iron and fluoride, the metal (iron) would go first.

When naming a covalent compound a prefix is added to the the first element?

Number of Atoms in CompoundPrefix on the Name of the Element5penta-6hexa-7hepta-8octa-

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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