When naming a binary compound which element is named first metal or nonmetal

Metal is named first

Explanation:

Binary compounds:

The compounds which are made up of the atoms of only two elements are called binary compounds.

For example:

The following compounds are binary:

HCl

NaCl

HCl is binary because it is composed of only hydrogen and chlorine.

Sodium chloride is also binary compound composed of only two element hydrogen and chlorine.

When naming these compounds the name of metal or cation is written first and anion is written after the cation. The anions are non meals.

The anion name is end with suffix " ide".

such as sodium chloride.