Binary Compound

Binary Compounds are compounds containing only two elements. The following procedures are followed in giving names to the compounds.

1. The most metallic element is written first without changing its suffix (ending). The suffix of the electronegative element is substituted by (ide).

Example: Chlorine – Chloride, Nitrogen – Nitride, and Oxygen – Oxide.

2. The oxidation state of the first element may be written in roman numerals immediately following the element.

Example:

FeCl₂ – Iron (II) chloride. 

SO₂ – Sulphur (IV) oxide.

NaF – Sodium Flouride.

AlN – Aluminium Nitride.