Formula Writing for Ionic Compounds with Transition Metals

Syllabus     |   Breslyn.org   |    Next Section

Learning Plan

  1. Watch the video on writing formulas for ionic compounds with transition metals.

  2. Review Essential Information on formula writing for ionic compounds with transition metals.

  3. Correctly write the formula for ten in a row!


Once you get ten in a row, return to the Syllabus or continue to Naming Ionic Compounds with Polyatomic Ions).

Essential Information

  • 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.

Video: