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Chemistry Ions Overview

Sep 10, 2025

Overview

This set reviews key ions and their patterns to help students memorize common cations, anions, and polyatomic ions needed in chemistry courses.

Common Monatomic Ions

  • Group 1 elements form 1+ ions (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺).
  • Group 2 elements form 2+ ions (e.g., Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺).
  • Group 13 elements form 3+ ions (e.g., Al³⁺).
  • Group 14 elements can form 4+ or 4− ions.
  • Group 15 elements form 3− ions (name: root+ide, e.g., nitride).
  • Group 16 elements form 2− ions (name: root+ide, e.g., oxide).
  • Group 17 elements form 1− ions (name: root+ide, e.g., chloride).

Transition Metal Ions with Roman Numerals

  • Copper: Cu⁺ (I), Cu²⁺ (II).
  • Chromium: Cr³⁺ (III), Cr⁶⁺ (VI).
  • Iron: Fe²⁺ (II), Fe³⁺ (III).
  • Lead: Pb²⁺ (II), Pb⁴⁺ (IV).
  • Manganese: Mn²⁺ (II), Mn⁴⁺ (IV), Mn⁷⁺ (VII).
  • Mercury: Hg₂²⁺ (I), Hg²⁺ (II).
  • Tin: Sn²⁺ (II), Sn⁴⁺ (IV).
  • Silver: Ag⁺.
  • Zinc: Zn²⁺.

Common Polyatomic Ions

  • Ammonium: NH₄⁺.
  • Acetate: CH₃COO⁻ or C₂H₃O₂⁻.
  • Carbonate: CO₃²⁻.
  • Hydrogen Carbonate (bicarbonate): HCO₃⁻.
  • Perchlorate: ClO₄⁻.
  • Chlorate: ClO₃⁻.
  • Chlorite: ClO₂⁻.
  • Hypochlorite: ClO⁻.
  • Chromate: CrO₄²⁻.
  • Dichromate: Cr₂O₇²⁻.
  • Cyanide: CN⁻.
  • Thiocyanate: SCN⁻.
  • Hydride: H⁻.
  • Hydroxide: OH⁻.
  • Nitrate: NO₃⁻.
  • Nitrite: NO₂⁻.
  • Permanganate: MnO₄⁻.
  • Manganate: MnO₄²⁻.
  • Peroxide: O₂²⁻.
  • Phosphate: PO₄³⁻.
  • Hydrogen Phosphate: HPO₄²⁻.
  • Dihydrogen Phosphate: H₂PO₄⁻.
  • Sulfate: SO₄²⁻.
  • Hydrogen Sulfate (Bisulfate): HSO₄⁻.
  • Sulfite: SO₃²⁻.
  • Hydrogen Sulfite (Bisulfite): HSO₃⁻.
  • Oxalate: C₂O₄²⁻.
  • Thiosulfate: S₂O₃²⁻.
  • Iodate: IO₃⁻.
  • Bromate: BrO₃⁻.

Patterns and Nomenclature

  • Ions ending in '-ate' correspond to "(root)ic" acids.
  • Ions ending in '-ite' correspond to "(root)ous" acids.
  • Ions ending in '-ide' correspond to "hydro(root)ic" acids.
  • Roman numerals indicate the charge on the ion.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Monatomic Ion — ion consisting of a single atom.
  • Polyatomic Ion — ion consisting of multiple atoms bonded together.
  • Roman Numeral — indicates the charge of a transition metal ion.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Memorize the listed ions and their charges.
  • Practice writing formulas from ion names and charges.
  • Review acid naming conventions associated with each ion.