Basics ‹ 61
Anionic complexes always have names ending in ate. This will require a change in the name
of the metal. Thus, aluminum would become aluminate, and zinc would become zincate.
The only exceptions to this are some of the metals whose symbols are based on Latin or
Greek names. These exceptions are:
Metal (Greek or Latin name) Symbol Anionic name
copper (cuprum) Cu cuprate
silver (argentum) Ag argentate
gold (aurum) Au aurate
iron (ferrum) Fe ferrate
tin (stannum) Sn stannate
lead (plumbum) Pb plumbateExamples:
K[Au(CN) 4 ] potassium tetracyanoaurate(III)
(NH 4 ) 2 [PbCl 6 ] ammonium hexachloroplumbate(IV)
If the metal ion may exist in more than one oxidation state, this oxidation state should
be listed, in Roman numerals, immediately after the name of the metal ion. The Roman
numeral is enclosed in parentheses and is considered part of the same word, and not
a separate grouping. If the metal occurs in only one oxidation state, no such indicator is
used. This notation is the Stock system discussed earlier.Experiments
Experiments involving the basic material covered in this chapter have been placed in the
in-depth chapters throughout the remainder of this book.Common Mistakes to Avoid
Between the two of us, we have almost 60 years of teaching experience. We’ve seen a lot of
student mistakes. We will try to steer you clear of the most common ones.- Always show your units in mathematical problems.
- In the conversion from °F to °C, be sure to subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature
first, then multiply by 5/9. - In the conversion from °C to °F, be sure to multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5,
then add 32. - No degree sign is used for Kelvin.
- Only consider measured values for significant figures.
- When considering whether or not zeroes to the right of the last non-zero digit are
significant, pay attention to whether or not there is a decimal point. - Round off only your final answer, not intermediate calculations.
- In working problems, be sure that your units cancel.
- If you are solving for cm, for example, be sure you end up with cm and not 1/cm.
- Make sure your answer is a reasonable one.
- Don’t confuse the mass number (A ) with the atomic number (Z ).
- When determining valence electrons, only the s and p electrons are considered.
- Don’t put more than 2 electrons in any individual orbital.
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