<sod>  
 === Naming complexes ===
 The basic procedure for naming a complex:
#Write the number of ligands surrounding the central metal ion/atom using: ''mono-'', ''di-'', ''tetra-'', ''penta-'', and ''hexa''.
#Write the name of the ligands (in alphabetical order) appending an ''o'' for anions: ''fluoro'', ''chloro'', ''cyano''. Neutral ligands keep their original name.
#Name the central atom/ion appending ''-ate'' if the atom is negative. Neutral or positive atoms/ions keep their original name.
 
eg. [<nowiki>NiCl</nowiki><sub>4</sub>]<sup>2-</sup> = tetrachloronickelate (II) ion
 
 [[Transition metal]]s make good central ions for complexes.
 
 <eod> <sod> 
 === Naming complexes ===
 The basic procedure for naming a complex:
#Write the names of the ligands in alphabetical order.
#*Multiply occurring monodentate ligands receive a prefix according to the number of occurrences: ''di-'', ''tri-'', ''tetra-'', ''penta-'', or ''hexa''.  Polydentate ligands (e.g., ethylenediamine, oxalate) receive ''bis-'', ''tris-'', ''tetrakis-'', etc.
#*Anions end in ''o''.  This replaces the final 'e' when the anion ends with '-ate', e.g. ''sulfate'' becomes ''sulfato''. It replaces 'ide': ''cyanide'' becomes ''cyano''.
#*Neutral ligands are given their usual name, with some exceptions: NH<sub>3</sub> becomes ''ammine''; H<sub>2</sub>O becomes ''aqua''; CO becomes ''carbonyl''.
#Write the name of the central atom/ion.  If the complex is an anion, the central atom's name will end in ''-ate'', and its Latin name will be used if available (except for mercury).
#If the central atom's oxidation state needs to be specified (when it is one of several possible, or zero), write it as a Roman numeral (or 0) in parentheses.
 
Examples:
:[NiCl<sub>4</sub>]<sup>2-</sup> &rarr; tetrachloronickelate (II) ion
:[CuNH<sub>3</sub>Cl<sub>5</sub>]<sup>3-</sup> &rarr; amminepentachlorocuprate(II) ion
:[Cd(en)<sub>2</sub>(CN)<sub>2</sub>] &rarr; dicyanobisethylenediaminecadmium(II)
 
 [[Transition metal]]s make good central ions for complexes.
 
 <eod>