Binary ionic compounds predicting formulas

Predict the formulas of binary ionic compounds (Example C.2). 

EXAMPLE C.2 Predicting the formula unit of a binary ionic compound... 

On the basis of their electron configurations, predict the formula of the simple binary ionic compound likely to form when the following pairs of elements react with each other. 

Use the octet rule to correctly predict the ions formed during the formation of ionic compounds, and write correct formulas for binary ionic compounds containing a representative metal and a representative nonmetal. (Section 4.3)... 

If the reactants in an equation are two elements, the only way in which they can react is to form a binary compound, which is composed of two elements. Often, when a metal reacts with a nonmetal, electrons are transferred and an ionic compound is formed. You can use the charges of the ions to predict the formula of the compound formed. Metals in Groups I and 2 lose one electron and two electrons, respectively. Nonmetals in Groups 16 and 17 gain two electrons and one electron, respectively. Using the charges on the ions, you can predict the formula of the product of a synthesis reaction, such as the one in Figure 10. 

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