Chemical Name Calculator
Convert between chemical names and formulas using IUPAC nomenclature
Chemical Name Calculator
Table of Contents
Chemical Nomenclature
Chemical nomenclature is the system of naming chemical compounds. The main types include:
- IUPAC names: Systematic names following international standards
- Common names: Traditional names still in wide use
- Chemical formulas: Symbolic representation of compounds
Naming Rules and Conventions
Common Prefixes
- mono- (1)
- di- (2)
- tri- (3)
- tetra- (4)
- penta- (5)
Common Suffixes
- -ide (simple ions)
- -ate (oxyanions)
- -ite (oxyanions with less oxygen)
Example: NaCl can be named as:
- Systematic name: Sodium chloride
- Formula: NaCl
- Type: Ionic compound
How to Use the Calculator
- Choose conversion mode:
- Name to Formula: Convert chemical names to formulas
- Formula to Name: Convert chemical formulas to names
- Enter the input:
- For names: Use standard chemical nomenclature
- For formulas: Use correct capitalization and subscripts
- Click Convert to see the results
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some compounds have multiple names?
Many compounds have both systematic (IUPAC) names and common names. While IUPAC names are standardized, common names are often still used due to historical precedent and convenience.
What's the difference between molecular and empirical formulas?
A molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule, while an empirical formula shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms.
How are ionic compounds named differently from molecular compounds?
Ionic compounds are named by listing the cation first, followed by the anion. Molecular compounds use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element.