-ic

Definition

The suffix '-ic' is a common ending used in chemistry to denote certain types of compounds or chemical relationships. It is a crucial term in the context of chemical nomenclature, as it helps to classify and identify various chemical species.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The '-ic' suffix is often used to indicate the highest or most oxidized state of an element in a compound.
2. Compounds with the '-ic' suffix are typically more stable and less reactive than their '-ous' counterparts.
3. The '-ic' suffix is commonly used in the names of acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
4. In the context of inorganic nomenclature, the '-ic' suffix is used to denote the most common or stable oxidation state of an element in a compound.
5. The '-ic' suffix is also used in the names of salts, where it indicates the presence of the corresponding acid, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4).

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the '-ic' suffix in the context of chemical nomenclature.
  • The '-ic' suffix is a crucial element in chemical nomenclature, as it helps to classify and identify various chemical compounds. It is often used to indicate the highest or most oxidized state of an element in a compound, denoting the most stable and common form of that element. This is particularly important in the naming of acids, where the '-ic' suffix is used to indicate the presence of the corresponding acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Additionally, the '-ic' suffix is used in the names of salts to indicate the presence of the corresponding acid, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4).
• Describe the relationship between the '-ic' suffix and the oxidation state of an element in a compound.
  • In the context of inorganic nomenclature, the '-ic' suffix is closely linked to the oxidation state of an element in a compound. Compounds with the '-ic' suffix typically represent the highest or most oxidized state of the element, indicating that the element has lost the maximum number of electrons. This is in contrast to the '-ous' suffix, which is used to denote a lower or less oxidized state of the element. The use of the '-ic' suffix, therefore, helps to convey important information about the chemical properties and reactivity of the compound, as more oxidized species are generally more stable and less reactive than their less oxidized counterparts.
• Analyze the significance of the '-ic' suffix in the naming and classification of chemical compounds.
  • The '-ic' suffix is a crucial component of chemical nomenclature, as it plays a vital role in the naming and classification of various chemical compounds. By indicating the highest or most oxidized state of an element, the '-ic' suffix provides valuable information about the compound's stability, reactivity, and chemical properties. This is particularly important in the context of acids, where the '-ic' suffix denotes the presence of the corresponding acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Similarly, the '-ic' suffix is used in the names of salts to signify the presence of the corresponding acid, helping to establish a clear relationship between the compound and its chemical composition. The consistent use of the '-ic' suffix in chemical nomenclature, therefore, facilitates the systematic classification and identification of chemical species, which is essential for understanding and predicting their behavior in various chemical reactions and processes.

Related terms

Acid: A compound that releases hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, resulting in a solution with a pH less than 7.

Base: A compound that releases hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water, resulting in a solution with a pH greater than 7.

Oxidation State:

The degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, represented by a number that reflects the number of electrons the atom has lost or gained.