How do you tell which type of compound something is?

To identify the type of compound, you can simply use this flow chart to determine which type it is.

Is it a bianary compound?

                                                                                       yes

Is metal present?

     No                                               yes

                                            Type III                                         Does metal form more than one cation?

                                                                                               I                                         I

                                                                                                      No                                              yes

                                                                                               I                                         I
                                                                                                         Type I                             Type II