The Naming of Common Acids and Bases - SS1 Chemistry Lesson Note

Acids and bases are essential compounds with diverse applications in various scientific fields, from chemistry and biology to industry and medicine. Understanding their naming conventions is crucial for accurately identifying and working with these substances. We will delve into the naming of common acids and bases, providing insights into their chemical nomenclature and characteristics:

Naming Acids:

Acids are named based on their composition and the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) in their chemical structure. The two main types of acids are binary acids and oxyacids.

Binary Acids:

Binary acids consist of hydrogen and a nonmetal element. The naming convention for binary acids involves adding the prefix "hydro-" to the nonmetal's name and replacing the suffix with "ic." Then, the word "acid" is added. For example, HCl is hydrochloric acid, and HF is hydrofluoric acid.

Oxyacids:

Oxyacids contain hydrogen, oxygen, and a third element, typically a nonmetal or a polyatomic ion. The naming convention for oxyacids depends on the polyatomic ion present in the compound. If the polyatomic ion ends in "-ate," the suffix is replaced with "-ic," and the word "acid" is added. For example, HNO₃ is nitric acid. If the polyatomic ion ends in "-ite," the suffix is replaced with "-ous," and the word "acid" is added. For example, HNO₂ is nitrous acid.

Naming Bases:

Bases, also known as alkalis, are named based on the hydroxide ions (OH-) they contain. The naming convention for bases involves using the name of the cation followed by the word "hydroxide." For example:

- NaOH is sodium hydroxide.

- Ca(OH)₂ is calcium hydroxide.

Acids are named based on the presence of hydrogen ions and can exhibit properties such as sour taste, corrosiveness, and their ability to turn blue litmus paper red. Bases are named based on the presence of hydroxide ions and can exhibit properties such as a bitter taste, slippery feel, and their ability to turn red litmus paper blue. Understanding the nomenclature and properties of acids and bases enables accurate identification, manipulation, and application of these compounds in various scientific and practical contexts.