1. Covalent Bonding Formulas & Names (including Acids)
Chem-To-Go Lesson 16
Unit 4

2. What is a covalent bond?
Covalent Bond = a nonmetal atom shares valence electrons with another nonmetal atom; both atoms achieve stability
We’ll learn to:
Name covalent compounds
Write formulas for covalent compounds
Draw Lewis structures
Analyze Lewis structures to predict properties

3. Important prefixes
Mono
Hexa Di
Hepta
Tri
Octa
Tetra
Nona
Penta
Deca

4. Writing formulas
Use the prefixes to determine subscripts for each element.
NO IONS, THEREFORE NO CRISS-CROSSING!
EXAMPLE 1: phosphorus trioxide
EXAMPLE 2: dinitrogen trioxide
EXAMPLE 3: tricarbon octahydride

5. Writing Names
Use the prefixes to determine subscripts for each element.
NO IONS, THEREFORE NO CRISS-CROSSING!
EXAMPLE 1: N2O5
EXAMPLE 2: CF4
EXAMPLE 3: P2O6

6. Special type of covalent compound: Acids
Acid = compound that produces H+ ions when dissolved in water
How to Recognize Acids:
Find H at the front of the chemical formula.
Examples of Acids:
H2SO4
HCl
HNO3
HBr

7. Two types of ACids Binary Acids Oxyacids
Contain H bonded to ONE other element
Writing Names
Hydro + root + ic acid
Ex. HCl = hydrochloric acid
Ex. H2S = hydrosulfuric acid
Ex. HI = hydroiodic acid
Contain H bonded to a POLYATOMIC ION
Writing Names
IF –ATE ion: root + ic acid
Ex. HNO3 = nitric acid
Ex. H2SO4 = sulfuric acid
IF –ITE ion: root + ous acid
Ex. HNO2 = nitrous acid
Ex. H2SO3 = sulfurous acid

8. Criss-cross the ion charges as if the compound was ionic
Formulas of ACids
Binary Acids
Oxyacids
Criss-cross the ion charges as if the compound was ionic
Example: hydronitric acid
“Yes hydro, No polyatomic”
Example: chlorous acid
“No hydro, Yes polyatomic”