How Write the Formula for Compounds with Transition Metals

In this video we'll write the correct formulas for ionic compounds with transition metals ions (elements that can have varying ionic charge).

Lots more practice at:
https://breslyn.org/chemistry/naming/...

To write the formula for ionic compounds with transition metals we’ll use the Periodic Table (and possibly the Common Ion Table) and follow some simple rules.

-- Keys for Naming Compounds with Transition Metals--

• Write the symbol and charge for the transition metal. The charge is the Roman Numeral in parentheses.

• Write the symbol and charge for the non-metal. If you have a polyatomic ion, use the Common Ion table to find the formula and charge.

• See if the charges are balanced (if they are you’re done!).

• Add subscripts (if necessary) so the charge for the entire compound is zero.

• Use the crisscross method to check your work.

Notes:
• Don’t write the subscript '1'.
• If you use the criss-cross method and end up with something like Ca2S2 you'll need to reduce the subscripts to Ca1S1 which we write CaS.

For a complete tutorial on naming and formula writing for compounds visit:

http://www.breslyn.org/chemistry/naming
Drawing/writing done in InkScape. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Done on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).