What rule governs the order of elements listed in a formula..for example: KCl or ClK..or CHO instead of COH?

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What rule governs the order of elements listed in a formula..for example: KCl or ClK..or CHO instead of COH?

2007-03-06 14:59:49 · 2 answers · asked by quinton 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

Molecules are listed in the order of cation-anion, metal-non-metal, reducting agent-oxidizing agent, or carbon-functional group.

2007-03-06 15:07:20 · answer #1 · answered by Matthew P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

You must always write the metal first, then the non metal.
If there is a carbon, the carbon comes first, then hydrogen, then other element, placed in alphabetical order
For example
C2H4Br2

2007-03-06 15:15:31 · answer #2 · answered by Tigeress 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋