Chemistry / Unit 2 Chem 0320 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Naming Ionic Hydrates
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The idea
A hydrate's name adds a Greek numerical prefix plus "hydrate" to the anhydrous compound's name, stating how many water molecules are bound per formula unit.
In practice
Copper(II) sulfate bound to five water molecules is named copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate and written CuSO4·5H2O with a dot.
Where people slip
"Anhydrous" names the compound with the water removed — the reference point the hydrate's name is built from.
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