CK-12-Chemistry Intermediate

7.3. Acids and Bases http://www.ck12.org

Names and Formulas of Bases

Inorganic bases are named in the same way as other ionic compounds. Since they all contain the OH−anion, the
names of these bases end in hydroxide. Some examples of names and formulas for bases are shown below (Figure
7.10).

TABLE7.10: Examples of Bases

Formula Name

NaOH sodium hydroxide

Ca(OH) 2 calcium hydroxide

NH 4 OH ammonium hydroxide

Notice that because bases are ionic compounds, the number of hydroxide ions in the formula does not affect the
name. The compound must be neutral, so the charges of the ions are balanced just as for other ionic compounds.
The sodium ion (Na+) requires one OH−ion to balance the charge, so the formula of sodium hydroxide is NaOH.
The calcium ion (Ca^2 +) requires two OH−ions to balance the charge, so the formula of calcium hydroxide is
Ca(OH) 2. Remember that the hydroxide ion is a polyatomic ion, so it must be put in parentheses when the formula
contains more than one.

Lesson Summary

• Acids are molecular compounds that dissolve in water to produce hydrogen ions and an anion. Bases are ionic
  compounds consisting of hydroxide ions and a cation.


• The naming rules for acids are based on the suffix of the anion. Formulas for acids are written by balancing
  out the charge of the anion with the appropriate number of hydrogen ions.


• Naming and formula writing for bases follows the same guidelines as for other ionic compounds.

Lesson Review Questions

Reviewing Concepts

1. What ion must be produced when an acid dissolves in water?


2. What ion must be present for a compound to be considered a base?


3. Identify each of the following compounds as either an acid, a base, or neither.
   a. RbOH
   b. HBr
   c. MgO
   d. CH 4
   e. H 3 PO 3
   f. Sr(OH) 2

Problems

4. Name the following acids.
   a. HF