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1404 Report of the Committee j o y

Report of the Committee for the Reform of Inorganic Chemical

Nomenclature, 1940.
W.P. JORISSEN (Chairman), H. BASSETT,A. DAMIENS,F. FICHTER,H. REMY.
The following “ Rules for naming Inorganic Compounds ” were drawn up by a com-
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mittee of the International Union of Chemistry which consisted of Professors H. Bassett

(Reading), A. Damiens (Paris), F. Fichter (Bade), W. P. Jorissen (Leyden), and H. Remy
(Hamburg). They are based upon a report which had been drawn up by Professor Remy
on behalf of the German Chemical Society and in collaboration with some of its members,
of whom Professor A. Stock was the most active.
Two meetings of the Committee were held, the first in Berlin on January 28th and 29th,
1935, and the second in Rome on May 16th, 1938.
Dr. E. Pietsch, Editor of “ Gmelin,” attended the Berlin discussions by invitation of the
Committee.
Professor Bassett is responsible for the English translation of the original German
version of the Rules and for certain omissions and modifications rendered necessary by
differences between the two languages.

Rules for Naming Inorganic Compounds.

INTRODUCTION.
The aim of these “ Rules ” is the unification of Inorganic Chemical Nomenclature and
the removal of names which are out of date or incorrect.
An attempt has been made to produce a uniform, rational nomenclature for inorganic
compounds, especially for scientific purposes. As it was nearly always possible to have
recourse to the system of naming already in use, the problem was chiefly that of separating,
in any particular systematic series, names which agreed with the general plan of the series
from those which did not and replacing the latter by other suitable names.
Registration of inorganic compounds, e.g., in the indexes of journals, lies outside our
reference, although unification of inorganic nomenclature is evidently of importance for
systematic reporting. These Rules ” were accordingly worked out with the help of
“

colleagues who had special experience in this field.

The naming of individual elements has not been considered, since the Committee on
Atomic Weights deals with this matter.

A. GENERAL.
Names and Formula?.
A chemical compound can be designated in two ways, either :
(1) by means of the formula.
(2) by means of the name.
(1) Formulae should be widely used in designating inorganic compounds, since they
provide the simplest and clearest method of doing this. Their significance is, moreover,
the same in all languages and for brevity and saving of space they are unequalled.
Formula3 are of particular use when dealing with complicated compounds. They have
a special significance in the wording of descriptions of preparative procedure, since they
prevent misunderstanding. Their use must naturally be avoided in cases where any
uncertainty might be introduced.
Examples .- Precipitation with H2S-treat with gaseous HC1-aqueous or alcoholic
HC1 solution-passing the gas through KOH solution.
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[ 19401 the Reform of Inorganic CJaem#icaLNomenclature, 1940. 1405

(2) When giving names to compounds there are two possibilities :
( a ) systematic names,
(b) trivial names.
( a ) In the case of systematic names it is not always necessary to indicate stoicheiometric
proportions in the names unless there is some special reason for doing so, because a glance
a t the formula shows at once the quantitative and atomic composition.
I n many cases sufficient abbreviation of the systematic name can be secured by omitting
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all numbers, indications of valency, etc., which are not needed in the given circumstances.
For instance, indication of the valency or atomic proportions is generally not required
with compounds of elements of essentially constant valency.
Examples : Aluminium sulphate instead of aluminium(II1) sulphate.
Potassium chloroplat inat e instead of potassium hexachloroplatinat e(IV).
Potassium cyanoferrate(I1) instead of potassium hexacyanoferrate(XI).
Potassium cyanoferrate(II1) instead of potassium hexacyanoferrate(II1).
(b) In the case of trival names one must distinguish between :
(aa) pure trivial names,
(bb) incorrectly formed names.
(aa) Pure trivial names are those which are free from false scientific significance or
other wrong indications. In most cases they originate from the people who use the com-
pounds. Examples of such names are saltpetre-caustic soda-quicklime. The use of
such pure trivial names is permissible.
(bb) Incorrectly formed names are those which were originally constructed to bring
out certain ideas on the composition or constitution of the compounds in question, but
are now opposed to our present views and knowledge. Such names are sulphate of
magnesia-carbonate of lime-nitrate of potash-acetate of alumina. Their use is wide-
spread, but scientifically they are incorrect.
Such names should not be used in any circumstances and they should be eliminated
from technical and patent literature.

B. BINARY COMPOUNDS.
I. Position of Constituents in Names and FormuZa
The electropositive constituent should always be put first in the formula and in the
name whenever it is recognisable from the character of the compound-as in salts or salt-
like compounds. The name of the electronegative constituent is given the termination-
ide. I n the case of non-polar compounds and of those in which it is not known which
constituent is to be regarded as electropositive in the compound, that constituent shouid
be placed first which has the more electropositive character in the free copiditiou.
Examples : Sodium chloride, silver sulphide, lithium hydride-boron carbide, oxygen
difluoride.
The above rule summarises the customary usage in English and German. Exactly
the opposite applies in French and Italian, so that in these languages the order of con-
stituents in formulae will also be just the opposite to that which is correct in English and
German. Such differences are due to the very nature of the several languages and cannot
be eliminated. Names are also in use in some languages which are obtained by simple
juxtaposition of the separate names of the constituents without any termination, This
method of name construction is used in German more particularly for the easily volatile
compounds of hydrogen. I t should be rigidly restricted to non-polar compounds (though,
even for them, the rule given first is to be preferred), and the constituent should be placed
first which is the more electronegative in the free condition.
Examples .- Chlorwasserstoff, Siliciumwasserstoff.-Schwefelkohlenstoff, Chlorstickstoff
(but better : Kohlendisulfid, Stickstofftrichlorid).
But not : Chlornatrium, Bromkalium, Schwefelsilber.
But only : Natriumchlorid, etc.
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1406 Report of the Committee for

11. Indication of the Proportions of Constituents.
There are two possible ways of indicating the proportions of the constituents in chemical
compounds. It can be done :
(1) by indicating the valency,
(2) by giving the stoicheiometric composition, or the functional nature.
(1) Indication of the electrochemical valency in the names of compounds should be
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made only by Stock’s method. This is done by means of Roman figures, placed in
parentheses, and following, without hyphen, immediately after the names of the elements
to which they refer.
Examples :
CuCl = Copper(1) chloride
CuCl, = Copper(I1) chloride
FeO = Iron(I1) oxide
Fe304= Iron(I1,III) oxide.
The system of valency indication by terminations such as -ous, -ic (ferrous, ferric)
which was previously in use has proved unsatisfactory and should now be avoided not only
in scientific but also in technical writing.
If the valency needs to be shown in formulae or when using symbols for the elements,
then the Roman figures should be placed just above the appropriate symbol on the right-
hand side.
Examples :
CuI salts,
FeU compounds.
(2) Indication of the stoicheiometric composition should be made by means of Greek
numerical prefixes, which should precede, without hyphen, the constituent to which they
refer. This method of showing the composition in names instead of by means of the valency
is customary, more especiallywith non-polar compounds. It is also indicated in cases where
the composition differs from that to be expected from the usual valency or in those in which
the electrochemical valency is unknown. The prefix “ mono ” can generally be omitted,
8 should be indicated by ‘‘ octa,” 9 by “ ennea.” Greek prefixes above 12 are replaced
by Arabic figures (without hyphen), as they are more easily understood. Arabic figures
are also used for indicating fractions of molecules, although 4 can also be expressed by
“ hemi.” The functional system of naming compounds can be employed instead of the
stoicheiometric. This is used more particularly in French.
Examples :
S toicheiomef ric System. Functional System.
N20 = Dinitrogen (mon)oxide
NO = Nitrogen oxide
N203 = Dinitrogen trioxide . . . . nitrous anhydride
NO, = Nitrogen dioxide
N204 = Dinitrogen tetroxide
N20, = Dinitrogen pentoxide . . . nitric anhydride
Ag,F = Disilver fluoride
Fe(CO), = Iron tetracarbonyl
FeS, = Iron disulphide
The formula is to be preferred to awkward names. Thus one should never say for
Na,,Hg,, 12 sodium 13 mercuride. In such cases always use ’the formula.
Out-of-date and superfluous terms such as Oxydul, Sulfur, Cyanur, Chloriir, etc., for
compounds of lower valency stages, should vanish from the German language, both because
they lack precision and because of the way in which many of these terms are used in
French.*
* In French, sulfure, cyanure, chlorure. etc., have the same significance as sulphide, cyanide,
chloride, etc., in English.
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[1940] the Reform of Inoyganic Chemical Nomenclatuure, 1940. 1407

III. Designation of IntermetaUic Compozcnds.
Intermetallic compounds do not follow the usual laws of constant composition and
must often be regarded rather as phases having a range of existence over which they are
more or less homogeneous. There is lacking at present a clear understanding and grouping
together of the laws which govern this class of compounds, so that any attempt at a rigid
system of nomenclature for intermetallic compounds would be premature.
For this reason the use of names in this field should be avoided and formulae alone
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should be used in all cases, and these should give the exact numbers of atoms, if possible.
A simplified formula which represents the compound in a satisfactory manner can be used
in those cases where either the exact number of atoms cannot be stated or where it is a
question of an intermetallic compound which has a wide range of composition. To avoid
any danger of confusion with a compound of definite composition, a bar should be placed
over the formula to show that the composition is variable.
Example : AuZn occurs as p-phase in the system Au-Zn as an intermetallic compound
with properties which differ from those of the components Au and Zn. It is homogeneous
over the range of 41 to 58 atoms yo Zn, so that all formulae between A U , & ~ , ~and Au,&n,,
would be correct for which the shortened form AuZn or AuZn may be used.
Compounds such as AuZn which do not have a constant composition should be called
" non-Daltonian " compounds to distinguish them from " Daltonian " compounds of

constant composition.
A future systematic nomenclature of intermetallic compounds will have to consider also
the field of mixed crystals and superstructures.*

IV. Indicating the Mass, Atomic Number, and State of Ionisation on the
Atomic Symbols.
When dealing with nuclear reactions, the ordinary representation of an element by the
plain symbol is not sufficient. The latter must be expanded so as to show the atomic mass
and atomic number.
An index on the right and below the symbol is already used to show the stoicheiometric
proportion, while another on the right above the symbol shows the state of ionisation.
The corresponding positions on the left are available for the atomic number and mass.
We then have :
right lower index . . . . . . the number of atoms
right upper index . . . . . . the state of ionisation
left lower index . . . . . . the atomic number
left upper index . . . . . . the mass
ExamPle :
:;cia+
This represents a singly ionised chlorine molecul; C1, each atom of which has the atomic
number 17 and mass 35.
The following is an example of an equation for a nuclear reaction :
:Mg + ;He = ZAl + :H
V. Group Names.
Compounds of the halogens are to be called halogenides (not haloides or halides), while
the elements oxygen, sulphur, selenium, and tellurium may be called chalkogens, and their
compounds chalkogenides.
The alkali metals should not be called " alkalis " nor the alkaline-earth metals " alkaline
earths," since these names are old-fashioned terms for the oxides of these metals and should
be avoided in scientific language. If compounds are concerned, the use of " alkali " or
The Committee wishes to draw the attention of workers in this field to the urgent need for some
consistency in the notation used for distinguishing dxerent modifications and intermediate phases.
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1408 Report of the Committee for
“ alkaline earth ” as an abbreviation for “ alkali metal ” or “ alkaline-earth metal ” is

general and permissible, e.g., alkali chlorides.

In German “ Kohlen- ” is permissible as an abbreviation for “ Kohlenstoff ” in many
carbon compounds.

C. TERNARY, QUATERNARY, ETC., COMPOUNDS.

The preceding rules which have been developed for binary compounds are valid, when
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suitably extended, also for compounds of more than two elements.

Radicals having special names are treated like the elementary constituents of a
compound when constructing names.
Examples :
NH&l = Ammonium chloride
KCN = Potassium cyanide
Fe(SCN), = Iron(111)thiocyanate
Pb(N,), = Lead azide.
If several electropositive constituents are combined with one electronegative, then the
rule holds that the more electropositive constituent is to be placed first, just as in the case
of binary compounds.
I n the same way, if a compound contains several electronegative constituents, these
should be placed, both in the name and in the formula, in order of increasing electronegative
character so far as this is possible.
Sulphur replacing oxygen in an acid radical should always be indicated by “ thio ”
(see under D, p. 1410), so that compounds of the radical SCN should be called “ thio-
cyanates,” * not (‘sulphocyanates and not sulpho- or thio-cyanides.
”

Names such as the following are permissible for mixed salts: Lead chlorofluoride,
lead sulphochloride.
The terms alumino-, boro-, beryllo-, etc., silicates should only be applied to such silicates
as contain Al, B, Be, etc., in place of some of the Si.
Examples :
Orthoclase, K [AlSi,O,] is an aluminosilicate (potassium aluminotrisilicate) .
Spodumen, LiAl[Si,O,] is an aluminium silicate (lithium aluminium &silicate).
Muscovite, KAl2[A1Si,O1,,] (OH), is an aluminium aluminosilicate.

D. OXY-ACIDS.
Well-established names for the majority of the important simple oxy-acids have been
in use for a long time, and their alteration is neither desirable nor necessary. It is only
necessary to consider a number of cases in which uncertainty or confusion has arisen in the
course of time owing to the employment of some names which are incorrect.
In the following tables are shown the names which should be used for the more important
acids of sulphur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron, as well as their salts.
Formula. Acid. Salt.
Acids awd Salts of Sulphur :
H2SOa Sulphoxylic acid Sulphoxylate
Has204 Dithionous .acid Dithionite
Has03 Sulphurous acid Sulphite
H2SaO2 Thiosulphurous acid Thiosulphite
HaSaO, Pyrosulphurous acid Pyrosulphite
H2SO* Sulphuric acid Sulphate
Has203 Thiosulphuric acid Thiosulphate
H2SaO7 Pyrosulphuric acid Pyrosulphate
HW, Peroxy (mono)sulphuricacid Peroxy (mono)sulphate
H2S206 Dithionic acid Dithionate
H2S,0, ( x = 3, 4, etc.) Polythionic acids Polythionates
HaSaO, Peroxydisulphuric acid Peroxydisulphate
* ‘‘ Rhodanide ” is the usual German name.
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[1940] the Reform of Inorganic Chemical Nomendatwe, 1940. 1409
Formula. Acid. Salt.
A c i d s and Salts of Nitrogen:
Hyponitrous acid Hyponitrite
Nitroxylic acid Nitroxylate
Nitrous acid Nitrite
Nitric acid Nitrate
Peroxynitric acid Peroxynitrate
A c i d s and Salts of Phosphorus :
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Hypophosphorous acid Hypophosphite

Phosphorous acid Phosphite
Pyrophosphorous acid Pyrophosphite
Hypophosphoric acid Hypophosphate
(0rtho)phosphoricacid (0rtho)phosphate
Pyrophosphoric acid Pyrophosphate
Metaphosphoric acid Metaphosphate
Peroxy (mono)phosphoric acid Peroxy(mono)phosphate
Peroxydiphosphoric acid Peroxydiphosphate
A c i d s and Salts of Boron:
H3B02 Borous acid -
H4BaO4 Hypoboric acid Hypoborate
H3BO.3 Orthoboric acid Orthoborate
HBO, Metaboric acid Metaborate
H2B40 7 Tetraboric acid Tetraborate

For other polyboric acids see under F. 11.

Decisions made on six points arising out of the above tables must be explained.
(1) H2S204 = Dithionous acid, and not hydrosulphurous or hy@osulphurozts acid ;
salts = dithionites.
(2) H2S203 = Thiosulphuric acid, and not hy@osulphurous acid; salts = thio-
sulphates.
(3) H2S0, = Peroxymonosulphuric acid, and not @ersulphuricacid.
(4) H,N02 = Nitroxylic acid, and not hydronitrous acid; salts = nitroxylates.
(5) H2B,0, = Tetraboric acid, and not @yroboricacid; salts = tetraborates.
(6) H2P0, = salts to be called hypophosphates.
Notes to (1) and (2) : The name hydrosulphurous acid for the compound H2S204was
proposed by its discoverer Schutzenberger because of the erroneous assumption that the
salts had the formula RHS20,. This name has lost its justification since the later proof
by Bernthsen and Bazlen that the salts of the acid are free from hydrogen and have the
formula R2S204,for the term " hydro " has no sense for compounds containing no hydrogen,
for which it is an unsatisfactory abbreviation in any case.
The name " hyposulphurous " acid proposed by Bernthsen and others for the com-
pound H2S204also appears to be unsatisfactory quite apart from the fact that its employ-
ment might give rise to confusion so long as the use of the name " hyposulphite " for
" thiosulphate " has not been entirely abandoned.

It is customary to apply the name " hypo ...ous " to that acid in which each atom of
the acid-forming element is less oxidised by two valency stages than the corresponding
atoms in the acid to which the name ending in " ous " is given (compare chlorous with
hypochlorous acid ; nitrous with hyponitrous acid).
Each atom of sulphur in the acid H2S204is, on the average, two valency stages less
oxidised than each atom of sulphur in dithionic acid. It follows that H2S2O4 should be
called dithionous acid to fall into line with the general rules employed in naming the oxy-
acids. This name does not imply any assumption as to the constitution of the compound;
it was first proposed by Noyes and Steinour ( J .Amer. Chem. Soc., 1929,51,1409). It is quite
wrong to use the name hyposulphurous acid for H2S203, though this is still frequently
done. The acid H2S2O3is derived from sulphuric acid, H2S04,by replacement of one oxygen
atom by sulphur. It must accordingly be called thiosuZphuric acid, since the presence of
sulphur which has taken the place of oxygen is in general indicated by the prefix " thio "
(see later).
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1410 Report of the Committee for
The name “ hyposulphurous acid ” would be justified for the acid H2S02,but the well-
established name “ sulphoxylic acid ,’ should be retained for this compound. The names
“ hyposulphurous ” acid and “ hyposulphite “ should therefore cease to be used at all.

Note to (3) : A distinction must be made between those acids or salts which are derived
by substitution from hydrogen peroxide and in consequence contain peroxidic oxygen,
-0-0-, and those which are derived from the highest oxidation stages of some elements
and are free from peroxidic oxygen. The last named are correctly called per-salts (such
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as NaClO,, KMnO,).
The first group, such as R&,O, and R3P0,, must be separated from the genuine per-
salts and called peroxy-salts, the corresponding acids being peroxy-acids.
Examples :
H2S0, = Peroxymonosulphuric acid
H,P,O, = Peroxydiphosphoric acid
NH,B03 = Ammonium peroxyborate
In the same way the oxides derived from H202 should be called peroxides, and not
superoxides or hyperoxides.
Note to (4) : The acid H2N02has been called hydronitrous acid, but it is more correctly
called nitroxylic acid by analogy with sulphoxylic acid. The sodium salt N%N02 obtained
by Zintl is, correspondingly, sodium nitroxylate.
Note to (5) : The prefixes “ ortho,” “ meta,” and “pyro ” are used generally in the
sense that the term “ ortho ” is applied to the most hydroxylated acid known either in the
free state or as salts or esters.
Examples :
H3B03 = Orthoboric acid H,PO, = Orthophosphoric acid
H,C04 = Orthocarbonic acid H,TeO, = Orthotelluric acid
H,SiO, = Orthosilicic acid HJO, = Orthoperiodic acid
The pyro- and meta-acids are derived from the ortho-acids by removal of water in
stages. Pyro-acids are those which have lost 1 mol. of H20 from 2 mols. of ortho-acid
(Examples : H2S,0,, H2S205,H4P207, H4P205). This rule does not apply, however, to
the polyboric acid H2B407 (= 2B203,H20),which contains less water than metaboric
acid HBO, (= B203,H20). To avoid breaking the rule, the acid H2B407 should not be
called pyroboric acid, but tetraboric acid, in agreement with the proposals for the naming
of isopolyacids (see F. 11).
Replacement of 0 by S.a-Acids which are derived from oxy-acids by replacement of
0 atoms by S atoms are to be called thio-acids, their salts thio-salts.
Examples :
H2CS, = Trithiocarbonic acid.
N+SbS, = Trisodium tetrathioantimonate (sodium thioantimonate for short).
The group [H,O]+.-When the hydrogen ion is considered to occur (in aqueous solution
or in a compound) in the form [H30]+, it is advisable to call it the hydronium ion (not
hydroxonium ion).
E. SALTS.
I. General.
Salts should always be named so that the name of the metal or electropositive radical
precedes that of the acid radical which carries the termination -ate, -ite, or -ide.
Examples :
Silver nitrate-Magnesium sulphate-Calcium carbonate
Sodium nitrite-Iron sulphide-Potassium cyanide.
Names such as nitrate of silver, sulphate of magnesium are permissible, but it is wrong
to use in this way the name of the metal oxide in place of that of the metal, so that sulphate
of magnesia, carbonate of lime, etc., are definitely wrong, and should not be employed
(see A., p. 1405).
Names derived from the German names of the acids, such as Salpetersaures Silber,
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[1940] the Reform of Inorganic Chemical Nomenclature, 1940. 141 1

Schwefelsaures Magnesium, Kohlensaures Calcium, may be used in popular writing (Ger-
man), but should be avoided in scientific language (in this case also the name of the metal
oxide must not be used in place of that of the metal). The use in English of names such as
“ copper vitriol ” or “ blue vitriol ” for CuS0,,5H20 and “ oil of vitriol ” for sulphuric acid

is analogous to the above German usage. Such names are still used to some extent in
technical literature and in chemical works, though only relatively few compounds are
affected. There is little to be said in favour of these archaic names and it would be better
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if they went out of use.

In the case of mixed OY double salts the rules given under C should be applied.
Examples :
KNaCO, = Potassium sodium carbonate
KCaPO, = Potassium calcium phosphate
NH,MgPO, = Ammonium magnesium phosphate
Salts of nitrogen compounds, if regarded as co-ordination compounds like ammonium
chloride, NH,Cl, are to be designated as -onium or -inium compounds.
Examples :
Tetramethylammonium chloride-Hydrazinium chloride-Pyridinium chloride.
If, however, the nitrogen compounds are regarded as addition compounds, then the
rules derived for these will apply (see F., V).

11. Acid Salts (Hydrogen Salts).

The rational names for acid salts are formed by using ‘‘ hydrogen ” for the hydrogen
atoms which they contain. The hydrogen is to be named last of the electropositive
constituents.
Examples :
KHSO, = Potassium hydrogen sulphate
NaHCO, = Sodium hydrogen carbonate
NsHPO, = Disodium hydrogen phosphate
NaH,PO, = Sodium dihydrogen phosphate
In complicated cases use formulae.
ExamPles :
4K,S0,,3H,S04 = K,H,(SO,) Rationally : Octapotassium hexahydrogen heptasulphate.
5K,S0,,3H2S0, = K,H,(SO,), Rationally : Pentapotassium trihydrogen tetrasulphate.
If it is desired to emphasise the type of compound rather than its composition, the term
acid salts (monacid, diacid, etc.) can be used as well as the expressions primary, secondary,
tertiary, etc., salts. Designation in terms of the acid : base ratio by means of ‘‘ bi ” is not
in agreement with the fundamental principles of rational nomenclature. It is therefore
wrong to say bicarbonate, bisulphate, bisulphite.

111. Basic Salts.

Basic salts which can be shown to contain hydroxyl groups and can be considered
and named as addition compounds of hydroxides to neutral salts are called hydroxy-salts.
Example :
Cd(0H)Cl = Cadmium hydroxychloride.
When the hydroxyl group is bound in a complex, Werner’s system of notation should
be used, according to which the hydroxyl groups are designated hydvoxo- or ol- groups.
Basic salts in which there are oxygen atoms as well as acid radicals attached to the metal
are called oxy-salts. If they contain radicals with special designations, names derived from
these can be employed.
Examples :
BiOCl = Bismuth oxychloride or bismuthyl chloride
UO,(NO,), = Uranium(V1) dioxynitrate or uranyl nitrate
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1412 Report of the Committee for
For oxygen atoms bound in a complex, the Werner notation applies and the oxygen
atoms are to be called 0x0-atoms.

F. HIGHERORDERCOMPOUNDS.
I. Complex Compounds (Co-ordination Compounds). General.
The nomenclature devised by A. Werner still regulates the naming of co-ordination
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compounds, and its value lies in the fact that it permits of uniform treatment of the whole
range of compounds. An alteration is needed only as regards the indication of valency. In
order to get a uniform method of indicating valency, both for simple and for co-ordination
compounds, Stock’s method, already applied to the former, has been extended to the latter.
I n the case of complex kations the Roman figures expressing the valency are placed in
parenthesis after the name of the element to which they relate (aswith the simple compounds).
Examples :
[Cr(OH2),]C1, = Hexa-aquochromium(II1) chloride
[Cr3Ac, (OH),]X = Hexa-acetatodihydroxotrichromium( 111)salt
I n the case of complex anions of acids or salts the valency of the central atom is given in
parenthesis after the name of the complex which ends in -ate. The Latin names of metals
must often be used in this connection for reasons of euphony.
Examples :
H2[PtC1,] = Hydrogen hexachloroplatinate (IV)
H,[Fe (CN),] = Hydrogen hexacyanoferrate(11)
K,[Fe(CN) ,] = Potassium hexacyanoferrate(I1)
K,[Fe( CN),] = Potassium hexacyanoferrate(I I I)
K, [Co(NO,) = Potassium hexanitrocobaltiat e (II I)
K [Au(OH),] = Potassium tet rahydroxoaurat e(111)
It is not necessary to give the valency of the central atom in the case of neutral com-
plexes (non-electrolytes). If it is desired specially to emphasise it, this can be done as in
the case of the complex kations. Mention of the valency is not necessary when the number
of the ionised atoms or groups is given in the name.
Examples :
[Cr(OH,),]Cl, = Hexa-aquochromium trichloride
K,[Fe(CN),] = Tetrapotassium hexacyanoferrate
K,[Fe(CN) J = Tripotassium hexacyanoferrate
This method of naming is, however, only to be recommended in those cases where the
electrochemical valency of the central atom is not known or not with certainty, as, for
instance, with compounds containing NO in the complex.
Order of the attached atoms or poups. Atoms or groups co-ordinated in the complex
are to be mentioned in the name in the order (i) acidic groups such as chloro (Cl), cyan0
(CN), cyanato (NCO), thiocyanato (NCS), sulphato (SO,), nitro (NO,), nitrito (ONO), oxa-
lato (C,O,), and hydroxo (OH); (ii) neutral groups: aquo (H,O), substituted amines
[C,H,(NH,), = en], and last of all ammine (NH,).
11. Isopolyacids and their Salts.
As isopolyacids in the widest sense are to be understood those acids which can be
regarded as resulting from two or more molecules of one and the same acid by elimination
of water. I n this sense the pyro- and meta-acids which are formed from ortho-acids by
removal of water are also to be included among the isopolyacids.
Even although the rule holds for the polyacids in an accentuated form, that formuk
should be used for characterising compounds in complicated cases, there is yet need for a
rational nomenclature if only for designating the groups of compounds. There belong to
the isopolyacids as especially important representatives the boric, silicic, molybdic, tungstic,
and vanadic acids. Rules will be considered with reference to them therefore.
I t is proposed that the empirical formula should always be resolved into the base
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[1940] the Refoym of Inorganic Chemical Nomenclature, 1940. 1413

anhydride : acid anhydride ratios. For this it is unnecessary to go into the still uncertain
questions of the constitution of these compounds, and this avoids introducing any
instability in the method of designation which might arise from changes in outlook.
This procedure gives a method of representation for this class of compounds which is
clear and straightforward and very suitable for systematic treatment. Characterisation by
means of the base : acid ratio has already thoroughly justified itself in the systematic
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description of the polyacids and their salts in Gmelin’s Handbuch der anorganischen
l1

Chemie.” It has always made possible a classification which was free from contradictions.
The following equally satisfactory methods for constructing names are available :
(1) The composition, referred to the simplest empirical formula, is given by means of
Greek numerical prefixes just as with other compounds (compare B. II., p. 1406).
(2) The simplest formula which expresses the analytical results for the compound in
terms of base anhydride and acid anhydride is resolved into these. The ratio base
anhydride : acid anhydride is shown in the name by means of Arabic figures in parentheses.
In both cases the basic component is to be named before the acid. Acid hydrogen
atoms are to be indicated by hydrogen ” and should always be given (also in the names
l1

of the free acids).

These DroDosals have been carried out for a number of borates, silicates, molybdates,
tungstate; a i d vanadates as shown in the following tables.
Name form- Present
Empirical Name formation by Greek Resolved ation by base : customary
formula. numerical prefixes. formula. acid ratio. name.
Borates :
Na,BO, Trisodium (mono)borate 3Na,0,B,03 Sodium(3 : 1)- Orthoborate
borate
Na4B,06 Tetrasodium diborate 2Na,O,B,O, Sodium(2 : 1)- Pyroborate
borate
NaBO, Monosodium (mono)borate Na,O,B,O, Sodium(1 : 1)- Metaborate
borate Monoborate
Na2B407 Disodium tetraborate Na,0,2B,03 Sodium( 1 : 2)- Tetraborate
borate Pyroborate
NaB,O, Sodium triborate Na,0,3B,03 Sodium(1 : 3)- Hexaborate
borate Triborate
Na2B8013 Disodium octaborate Xa,0,4B,03 Sodium( 1 : 4)- Octaborate
borate Tetraborate
NaB,O, Sodium pentaborate Na2O,5B,O, Sodium(1 : 5)- Decaborate
borate Pentaborate
Na,B1,0 18 Disodium dodecaborate Na,O,GB,O, Sodium(1 : 6)- Dodecahorate
borate Hexaborat e
Silicates :
Na,SiO, Tetrasodium (mono)silicate 2Na,0, SiO, Sodium(2 : 1)- Orthosilicate
silicate
Na,Si,O, Hexasodium disilicate 3Na20,2Si0, Sodium(3 : 2)- Pyrosilicate
silicate
Na Si,O Octasodium trisilicate 4Na80,3Si0, Sodium(4 : 3)- Pyrosilicate
silicate
Na,SiO, Disodium (mono)silicate Na,O, SiO, Sodium( 1 : 1)- Metasilicate
silicate
Na,Si,O,, Hexasodium tetrasilicate 3Na,0,4SiO2 Sodium(3 : 4)- Metasilicate
silicate
Na,Si,O, Tetrasodium trisilicate 2Na20,3Si0, Sodium(2 : 3)- Metasilicate
silicate
Na,Si,O, Disodium trisilicate Na20,3Si0, Sodium(1 : 3)- Metasilicate
silicate
Molybdates :
Disodium monomolybdate Na,O,MoO, Sodium(1 : 1)- Normal
molybdate molybdate
Disodium dimolybdate Na,O,SbloO, Sodium(1 : 2)- Dimolybdate
molybdate
Decasodium dodeca- 6Na,O, 12M00, Sodium(5 : 12)- Paramolybdate
moly bdate molybdate
Disodium trimolybdate Na,0,3Mo03 Sodium( 1 : 3)- Trimolybdate
molybdate
Disodium tetramolybdate Na,0.4Mo03 Sodium( 1 : 4)- Tetramolybdate
molybdate
and so on up t o Na,O,lGMoO,.
 View Article Online
RePort of the Committee for
Name form- Present
Name formation by Greek Resolved ation by base : customary
numerical prefixes. formula. acid ratio. name.
Tungstates :
Disodium (mono)tungstate NaaO,WO, Sodium(1 : 1)- Normal
tungstate tungstate
Tetrasodium tritungstate 2Naa0,3W0, Sodium(2 : 3)- Normal
tungstate tungstate
Disodium ditungstate Na,0,2WO, Sodium(1 : 2)- Ditungstate
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tungstate
Decasodium dodeca- 5Na,0, 12WOs Sodium(5 : 12)- Paratungstate
tungstate tungstate
Disodium tritungstate Na,Oa3WO, Sodium(1 : 3)- Tritungstate
tungstate
Disodium tetratungstate Na,O, 4W0, Sodium(1 : 4)- Tetratungstate
- tungstate (with water
- (Metatungstate)
-
I

-
I

-
- -
- - -
Disodium octatungstate Sodium(1 : 8)- Octatungstate
tungstate

Trisodium (mono)vanadate Sodium(3 : 1)- Normal

vanadate Orthovanadate
Tetrasodium divanadate Sodium(2 : 1)- Pyrovanadate
vanadate
Sodium (mono)vanadate Sodium(1 : 1)- Metavanadate
vanadate
Disodium tetravanadate Sodium(1 : 2)- Tetravanadate
vanadate
Sodium trivanadate Sodium(1 : 3)- Hexavanadate
vanadate

In more complicated cases the formula itself is best employed. Even though a correct
systematic name is possible in such cases, it is generally unwieldy, as, for instance :
Ba,(VO,)H,(V,O,,) = Dibarium vanadyl dihydrogen pentavanadate.
I n a similar way, for example, the compounds of the tungstic acids with organic bases
are grouped together as “ tungstates of organic bases.” Subordinated to this group are
the sub-groups “ methylammonium tungstates,” ‘‘ propylammonium tungstates,” and so
on, of which the individual compounds then follow with their formulze only,since an attempt
to form names for each compound would lead to an unsatisfactory and insufficient
symbolisation of their composition.

111. Heteropolyacids and their Salts.

The formdae of the heteropolyacids and their salts are resolved into their constituent
base and acid anhydrides, as in the case of the isopolyacids, and for this purpose the simplest
formula which expresses the analytical composition is employed.
This resolution is made,
for the acid into : Non-metallic acid-oxide of the acid-forming metal-water ;
for the saZt into : Salt of the non-metallic acid (resolved perhaps into base anhydride-
acid anhydride ratio) *-oxide of the acid-forming metal-water.
The numbers of atoms of the two acid-forming elements derived from this simplest
formula are shown in the name by means of Arabic figures or Greek numerical prefixes.
Here again only the group name is given, which should be supplemented by the formula if
necessary in individual cases.
* If by so doing simpler numerical relations can be obtained.
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[1940] the Reform of Ifzorganic Chemical Nomemlatztre, 1940. 1415

Examples :
R,P04,EMoO, = Dodecamolybdophosphate or 3R,0,P,06,24M00, = 24-Molybdo-2-phosphate
R3P04,12W03 = Dodecatungstophosphate or 3R,0.Pz0,,24W0, = 24-Tungsto-2-phosphate
2R,P06,17W0, = 17-Tungstodiphosphate or 5R20,P20a,17W0, = 17-Tungsto-2-phosphate
R,BO,, 12W0, = Dodecatungstoborate or 5R,0,B20,,24W0, = 24-Tungsto-2-borate
R,SiO,, 12W0, = Dodecatungstosilicate or 4R,0,Si02,12W0, = 12-Tungsto silicate

IV. Double Salts.

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The name of the double salt is formed by putting together the names of the simple salts
from which it is formed. The order of the kationic constituents should be that of decreasing
electropositive character. Constituents common to both salts should only be mentioned
once.
Examples :
KCl,MgCl, = Potassium magnesium chloride
Na,SO,,CaSO, = Sodium calcium sulphate
3Ca0,Al,03,CaCl,,10H,0 = Calcium chloroaluminate
KCl,MgSO, = Potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate.
In the third example only the group name is given, under which all the single members
are collected.
V. Hydrates, Ammoniates, and other Additi0.n Compounds.
The collective names : Hydrate, peroxyhydrate (not perhydrate), and ammoniate
should be applied to compounds which contain molecules of H20, H20,, or NH,.
Either Greek numerical prefixes or Arabic figures can be used to show the number of
such molecules present.
Examples :
CaC1,,6H20 = Calcium chloride hexahydrate or calcium chloride &hydrate
CaC1,,4H20 = Calcium chloride tetrahydrate or calcium chloride 4-hydrate
CaC1,,2H20 = Calcium chloride dihydrate or calcium chloride 2-hydrate
CaC12,H20 = Calcium chloride monohydrate or calcium chloride 1-hydrate
Collective name : Calcium chloride hydrates.
Na00H,H,02 = Sodium hydrogen peroxide peroxyhydrate
A1C13,xNH3 = Aluminium chloride ammoniate
If it needs to be shown that the molecule in question forms part of a complex, then the
compounds are to be named as aquo, peroxyhydrato, and ammine compounds (compare
F. I., p. 1412).
Examples :
[Cr4NH3)6Ic13 = Hexamminechromium(111) chloride
[cr(oH2)61c13 = Hexaquochromium(II1) chloride
[Cr(OH2),C1,]C1,2H,O = Dichlorotetraquochromium(II1)chloride dihydrate
Other addition compounds. Addition compounds containing added PCl,, NOC1, H2S,
C,H,*OH, etc., are better shown by the formula than by a special name. For systematic
consideration of this field it is advisable to make use of a group name.
Examples :
A1CI3,4C2H,*OH= Compound of aluminium chloride with alcohol
AlCI,,NOCl = Compound of aluminium chloride with nitrosyl chloride
AlCl;,H,S = Compound of aluminium chloride with hydrogen sulphide
Group names :
“ Compounds of aluminium chloride ” with “ organic compounds,” with ‘‘ sulphur
compounds,” etc .

6;A