Over the past 50 years, CAS registers, on average, one new substance every 2.5 minutes! Two of the most important concepts in chemistry are becoming familiar with the ways that elements interact to form compounds and knowing how to clearly communicate the name and formula of a compound.

In this section, you will investigate how atoms combine to form compounds. You will look at the different types of compounds and learn how to name and write formulas using IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists) rules. Then you will study the different properties of ionic, molecular, acidic, and basic compounds. 

1. use the periodic table to explain how and why elements combine to form compounds
   and explain the importance of having a common system for naming compounds
   

2. predict formulas and write names for ionic compounds
   

3. predict formulas and write names for molecular compounds and common acids 
   

4. classify ionic, molecular, acidic, and basic compounds on the basis of their properties; e.g., conductivity, pH, solubility, state, etc.

5. identify personal and societal issues related to the use of potentially toxic or hazardous compounds