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Polyatomic and Transition Metal Ions

Aug 31, 2025

Overview

This lecture provides a comprehensive list of common polyatomic ions and some important transition metal ions with their names, formulas, and charges.

Common Polyatomic Ions

  • Ammonium: NH₄⁺
  • Acetate: CH₃COO⁻ or C₂H₃O₂⁻
  • Bromate: BrO₃⁻
  • Carbonate: CO₃²⁻
  • Chlorate: ClO₃⁻
  • Chlorite: ClO₂⁻
  • Chromate: CrO₄²⁻
  • Cyanide: CN⁻
  • Dichromate: Cr₂O₇²⁻
  • Hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate): HCO₃⁻
  • Hydrogen sulfate (bisulfate): HSO₄⁻
  • Hydrogen phosphate (biphosphate): HPO₄²⁻
  • Hydroxide: OH⁻
  • Hypochlorite: ClO⁻
  • Iodate: IO₃⁻
  • Nitrate: NO₃⁻
  • Nitrite: NO₂⁻
  • Oxalate: C₂O₄²⁻
  • Perchlorate: ClO₄⁻
  • Periodate: IO₄⁻
  • Permanganate: MnO₄⁻
  • Peroxide: O₂²⁻
  • Phosphate: PO₄³⁻
  • Phosphite: PO₃³⁻
  • Silicate: SiO₄⁴⁻
  • Sulfate: SO₄²⁻
  • Sulfite: SO₃²⁻
  • Thiocyanate: SCN⁻
  • Thiosulfate: S₂O₃²⁻

Common Transition Metal Ions

  • Copper(I) (cuprous): Cu⁺
  • Copper(II) (cupric): Cu²⁺
  • Iron(II) (ferrous): Fe²⁺
  • Iron(III) (ferric): Fe³⁺
  • Lead(II) (plumbous): Pb²⁺
  • Lead(IV) (plumbic): Pb⁴⁺
  • Mercury(I) (mercurous): Hg₂²⁺
  • Mercury(II) (mercuric): Hg²⁺
  • Tin(II) (stannous): Sn²⁺
  • Tin(IV) (stannic): Sn⁴⁺

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Polyatomic ion — a charged particle composed of two or more covalently bonded atoms.
  • Transition metal ion — a positively charged ion formed from transition metals, often with multiple possible charges.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Memorize the names, formulas, and charges of common polyatomic and transition metal ions for quizzes and exams.