How it works
This random chemical generator shows one formula at a time, such as NaCl or CH₄, with the name covered. Say the name, then press Show name to see the systematic name, the everyday name and the kind of compound.
Read the full guide
Use it as a random compound generator for one kind
After your first press, a list under the button reads Any kind. Choose Ionic compounds, Bases, Acids, Molecular and network compounds, Organic compounds, or First to learn, a short set of compounds a first chemistry course names.
Name it before you look
Read the formula and say the name aloud. A metal that can carry more than one charge takes a Roman numeral, so FeCl₂ is iron(II) chloride and FeCl₃ is iron(III) chloride. Then press Show name to check.
Tips
- Need one random chemical for a quiz question? Choose First to learn and write the formula on the board with the name still covered.
Questions and answers
Why does iron(II) chloride have a Roman numeral?
Iron can form ions with more than one charge, so the name gives the charge as a Roman numeral in parentheses after the metal. Sodium forms only one ion, so NaCl is plain sodium chloride.
Is NaHCO₃ sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate?
Both names mean NaHCO₃, baking soda. The prefix bi- is an older way of showing the single hydrogen, so the systematic name is sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Is this a random molecule generator too?
For most cards, yes. Choose Molecular and network compounds or Organic compounds and nearly every draw is a random molecule. Ionic compounds such as NaCl are crystals of ions, not molecules.
Where do the formulas and names come from?
Every formula and name was checked on October 1, 2026 against the compound's record in PubChem, the chemistry database of the US National Institutes of Health.
Does a card say what a compound is used for?
No. Cards give the formula, the names and the kind of compound only, with no uses, doses or hazards.