Name of a Compound

[Kristen Laulette 1C]

When given the name of a compound, like sodium bicarbonate, how do you find the molecular formula when only given the name?

[404975170]

I’m sure on tests he will give us the names to complex compounds but I think this really just comes with practice and the more you become familiar with different compounds. If you have some knowledge of the compound you could know that sodium Na bicarbonate is CO3 and there is also an H so it’s NaHCO3.

[Chem_Mod]

You should review fundamental sections B-D. These common polyatomic ions and naming ionic compounds are something that is part of the high school review. You should review them in the section mentioned if you are not sure since they will continue to appear for rest of this course and future 14 series courses.

Bicarbonate = HCO3-, sodium ion = Na+,
So 1:1 to get neutral charge and the formula is NaHCO3.