There are many different rules for naming compounds. how from the chemical formula alone can you tell what set of rules you should use ?

Explanation

The chemical formula of a compound can help you in determining what set of rules you should apply. For example, in naming binary molecular compounds, the first element is named using the name of the element. Example, , the first element is copper. The second name is listed by taking the stem of the element and adding the suffix -ide.

Also, combining the cation and anion gives you an ionic compound. Cu2+ combines with two Cl- anions combines to form a neutral compound, CuCl2. This is referred to as the stock method of naming.