Writing Formulas for Ionic Compounds with Transition Metals

Compounds with Transition Metals: Formula Writing

When we have a metal and a non-metal we have an ionic compound.

Metal + Non-Metal = Ionic Compound

If we have a transition metal the charge will be shown in parentheses after the element name.

• Iron (III) chloride
• Lead (IV) nitrate
• Aluminum nitride

Practice: The key to success.

Keys for Writing Formulas for 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.