Polyatomic Ions

Concept Map

Polyatomic ions are clusters of covalently bonded atoms with a net charge, crucial in forming various compounds. Examples like sulfate (SO4^2-) and nitrate (NO3^-) illustrate their stability in solutions and the importance of their nomenclature for clear chemical communication. Understanding their oxidation states is key to determining their charge and reactivity, making them fundamental in chemical reactions.

Summary

Outline

Polyatomic Ions

Definition of Polyatomic Ions

Composition of Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together that carry a net positive or negative charge

Distinction from Monatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are distinct from monatomic ions, which consist of single atoms with a charge

Behavior in Solution

Polyatomic ions remain bonded as a unit in solution, unlike ionic compounds which dissociate into individual ions when dissolved

Examples of Polyatomic Ions

Carbonate Ion

The carbonate ion carries a -2 charge and exhibits resonance, forming stable ionic compounds such as calcium carbonate

Ammonium Carbonate

Ammonium carbonate is an example of a compound formed by the bonding of two ammonium ions with a single carbonate ion

Common Polyatomic Ions

Common polyatomic ions include sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate, which are memorized by students for their names and charges

Nomenclature of Polyatomic Ions

Naming Conventions

Polyatomic ions have specific names that do not change based on the number present in the compound, and are named by listing the cation first followed by the anion

Parentheses and Subscripts

When multiple polyatomic ions are needed to balance the charge in a compound, parentheses are used to enclose the ion's formula, with a subscript indicating the number of ions

Oxyanions

Oxyanions, a type of polyatomic ion containing oxygen, have names that vary based on the number of oxygen atoms present

Charge and Reactivity of Polyatomic Ions

Determining Charge

The charge of a polyatomic ion is determined by the oxidation states of its constituent atoms, which are assigned based on electronegativity and hypothetical ionic charge

Importance in Chemistry

Polyatomic ions are essential in chemistry as they form a wide variety of compounds and participate in numerous chemical reactions

Communication and Understanding

Properly naming compounds containing polyatomic ions and understanding the oxidation states of the elements within them is crucial for clear communication and predicting their reactivity and interactions with other ions

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Unlike ______ ions that are single charged atoms, ______ ions like sulfate (SO4^2-) stay bonded in solution.

monatomic

polyatomic

Charge of carbonate ion

Carbonate ion (CO3^2-) carries a -2 charge.

Resonance in carbonate ion

Carbonate ion exhibits resonance with delocalized double bonds, creating a mix between single and double bonds.

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Nomenclature of Compounds Containing Polyatomic Ions

The nomenclature for ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions involves naming the cation first, followed by the anion. Polyatomic ions have specific names that do not change based on the number present in the compound. When multiple polyatomic ions are needed to balance the charge in a compound, parentheses are used to enclose the polyatomic ion's formula, with a subscript outside the parentheses indicating the number of ions, as in aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3).

Common Polyatomic Ions and Their Nomenclature

Common polyatomic ions include sulfate (SO4^2-), nitrate (NO3^-), and phosphate (PO4^3-). These ions are memorized by students for their names and charges. Oxyanions, a type of polyatomic ion containing oxygen, have names that vary with the number of oxygen atoms: "per" indicates the most oxygen, "ate" indicates a standard amount, "ite" indicates fewer, and "hypo" indicates the fewest, as in perchlorate (ClO4^-), chlorate (ClO3^-), chlorite (ClO2^-), and hypochlorite (ClO^-).

Determining the Charge of Polyatomic Ions

The charge of a polyatomic ion is determined by the oxidation states of its constituent atoms. Oxidation states are assigned based on an atom's electronegativity and its hypothetical ionic charge in a compound. For instance, in the nitrate ion (NO3^-), oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, and nitrogen typically has an oxidation state of +5. The sum of the oxidation states equals the overall charge of the ion.

Key Takeaways on Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are essential in chemistry as they form a wide variety of compounds and participate in numerous chemical reactions. They are characterized by their covalent bonds within the ion and their ability to remain intact in solution. Properly naming compounds containing polyatomic ions is crucial for clear communication in chemistry. Additionally, understanding the oxidation states of the elements within a polyatomic ion is vital for determining its charge and predicting its reactivity and interactions with other ions.

Polyatomic Ions

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

Polyatomic Ions