When is the suffix -ic used in chemistry?

Answer 1

When the anion name ends in -ite, the acid name is the stem of the anion with the suffix -ous, followed by the word acid.

-ite being the noun form of the compound

-ous being the adjective form of the compound

The form -ous can be used in such a case of the compound sulfite.

For Example

Anion Name Example Acid Name Example

-ite sulfite (stem)-ous acid sulfurous acid

When you name the compound as an acid you add the suffix -ous, and take away the suffix -ite

Answer 2

For transition metals, such as iron or copper, which can form more than one type of cation you can use the old method (old name) when naming them. -ic is used when naming the ion with the larger charge. For example,
Element Symbol Old Name
Copper Cu+ Cuprous (smaller charge, -ous)
Copper Cu2+ Cupric (larger charge, -ic)

Answer 3

This suffix is used for the normal acids, not changing anything in the formula. I.e. sulfuric and nitric acids.