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Chemical nomenclature quiz: name compounds and write formulas

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Use this chemical nomenclature quiz to practice IUPAC names, write formulas, and check your understanding in 15 quick questions. You will get instant feedback on every answer. For more study, try the nomenclature practice quiz, work on acids with the acid nomenclature quiz, or expand to compounds in the naming compounds quiz.

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1What is the IUPAC name for NaCl?
2What is the chemical formula for calcium carbonate?
3What is the IUPAC name for CO2?
4What is the chemical formula for magnesium oxide?
5What is the IUPAC name for P2O5?
6What is the chemical formula for iron(III) chloride?
7What is the IUPAC name for Fe2O3?
8What is the chemical formula for ammonium sulfate?
9What is the IUPAC name for CH3COOH?
10What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH2OH?
11What is the IUPAC name for C2H4?
12What is the chemical formula for copper(I) oxide?
13What is the IUPAC name for NaHCO3?
14What is the IUPAC name for the sulfate ion, SO4^2-?
15What is the IUPAC name for K2Cr2O7?
16What is the IUPAC name for the complex ion [Fe(CN)6]4-?
17What is the IUPAC name for CH3COOCH3?
18What is the IUPAC name for BrCH2CH2OH?
19What is the IUPAC name for HOCH2CH2COOH?
Learning Goals

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify correct IUPAC names for inorganic compounds
  2. Apply naming rules to organic molecules
  3. Demonstrate writing chemical formulas from names
  4. Analyse complex nomenclature for polyatomic ions
  5. Master systematic naming of functional groups
  6. Evaluate alternative naming conventions and synonyms
Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the IUPAC rules for naming inorganic compounds - Unlock the secret code chemists use worldwide by learning to name cations, anions, and their combinations with ease. Think of it as giving each compound its own scientific nickname! IUPAC Inorganic Nomenclature Guide
  2. Apply the IUPAC nomenclature to organic molecules - Dive into the fun world of hydrocarbons by finding the longest carbon chain, assigning locants to substituents, and choosing suffixes for functional groups. Imagine you're a detective spotting clues in CH₃CH₂OH and naming it ethanol! IUPAC Organic Nomenclature Guide
  3. Practice writing chemical formulas from names - Sharpen your translation skills by converting names like sodium sulfate into Naâ‚‚SOâ‚„. This hands-on exercise cements your understanding of composition and stoichiometry in a flash. IUPAC Inorganic Nomenclature Guide
  4. Analyze complex nomenclature involving polyatomic ions - Become a polyatomic pro by identifying ions such as NH₄❺ and SO₄²❻ in compounds like NH₄NO₃. Mastering these building blocks is like collecting badges on your chemistry adventure! IUPAC Inorganic Nomenclature Guide
  5. Understand the systematic naming of functional groups - Learn the hierarchy that decides whether a hydroxyl or carboxyl group steals the spotlight in a compound's name. It's like awarding the best actor in a blockbuster molecule! IUPAC Organic Nomenclature Guide
  6. Evaluate alternative naming conventions and synonyms - Don't get tricked by common names like acetic acid versus ethanoic acid; know both to impress your peers and ace exams. Familiarity with synonyms keeps you fluent in all chemistry dialects. IUPAC Organic Nomenclature Guide
  7. Learn the Cahn - Ingold - Prelog priority rules - Assign priorities around chiral centers and confidently determine R/S configurations, just like solving a stereochemical puzzle. These rules are your key to unlocking molecular geometry secrets! Cahn - Ingold - Prelog Priority Rules
  8. Understand E - Z notation for double bonds - Discover whether substituents are 'entgegen' (opposite) or 'zusammen' (together) around a double bond in compounds like but-2-ene. It's a fun way to tell geometric twins apart! E - Z Notation Explained
  9. Practice naming compounds with multiple functional groups - Tackle molecules that boast both alcohols and ketones by giving the highest”priority group the headline suffix and the rest as prefixes. It's chemistry multitasking at its best! IUPAC Organic Nomenclature Guide
  10. Review common polyatomic ions and their charges - Memorize your all”stars like nitrate (NO₃❻), sulfate (SO₄²❻), and phosphate (PO₄³❻) so you can name and balance ionic compounds in a snap. Charge up your memory with these essentials! IUPAC Inorganic Nomenclature Guide
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Updated Feb 18, 2026