Binary Compounds
In binary compounds the more electropositive element is placed first in the formula. The formal list is used. The name of the most electronegative element is modified to end in -ide and the more electropositive elements name is left unchanged.
Taking the binary compound of sodium and chlorine: chlorine is found first in the list so therefore comes last in the name. Other examples are
- PCl5 phosphorus pentachloride
- Ca2P3 dicalcium triphosphide
- NiSn nickel stannide
- Cr23C6 tricosachromium hexacarbide
Read more about this topic: IUPAC Nomenclature Of Inorganic Chemistry 2005, Compounds
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