How To Write The Name Of An Ionic Compound . If the first element you see in the compound is found on the left side of the periodic. (if an element does not have a prefix, assume that the subscript is “1.” third, apply the above naming scheme. Chapter 4.4 Naming Ionic Compounds Chemistry LibreTexts from chem.libretexts.org With my strategy and step by step examples, you will be naming compounds like a pro in no time! A metal bonded to a nonmetal is a dead giveaway that you're dealing with an ionic compound. The method for determining the formula of the compound is named the crisscross method and can be seen below: