How to Write Chemical Name

Determining chemical names can be an overwhelming task if you don't have a system to help keep things in order. The first thing you don't want to do is memorize a bunch of stuff. Memorization should be kept to a minimum.

You will learn chemical names and how to create them through repetition and practice. So remember you must practice to be any good at naming chemicals.
Strategy #1 Know the Periodic Table
You must know the periodic table and how it is structured. All the chemical names are based on the names of the elements so be familiar with them and keep a periodic table handy.

Strategy #2 Know the Polyatomic Ions
Many chemicals are composed of a polyatomic ion and a metal or two polyatomic ions. So, it is helpful to have handy a list of the most common polyatomic ions.

Strategy #3 Know the Elements and their IonsIt is very useful to know your major elements and their ions or oxidation numbers. Especially for ionic compounds because their charge must be balanced to zero.

Strategy #4 Know the Metals with Multiple Charges
Many of the metals have more than one possible charge, so you will need a list of these metals ions and their names to help you with chemical naming.

Strategy #5 Remember Most Chemical Names are Binary
Remember that most chemical names are binary, which means that they have two parts. These two parts may consist of an element with an element; an element with a polyatomic ion; or two polyatomic ions.

Strategy #6 The Ionic Charges Must Balance
In ionic compounds the charges of the individual ions must balance to zero. So add ions till the positive and negatives cancel out.

Strategy #7 The Most Metallic Substance Goes First
When writing the chemical name the most metallic substance goes first and the least metallic goes second. Remember that the elements to left of the semi-metals are the metals and the elements to the right are the non-metals.
Although these strategies will help improve your ability to name chemical compounds, the most important thing you can do is practice. Just like any other skill practice is the only way to improve.