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Polyatomic Ions Overview

Sep 5, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the memorization of common polyatomic ions, including their names, formulas, charges, and naming patterns, essential for chemistry problem-solving.

Naming Patterns & Rules

  • Polyatomic ions contain multiple atoms; monoatomic ions consist of single atoms.
  • Suffix "-ate" means one more oxygen than "-ite."
  • Monoatomic ions often end in "-ide" and lack oxygen.
  • Prefix "per-" adds one oxygen; "hypo-" removes one oxygen relative to "-ite."
  • Adding hydrogen to an ion increases the positive charge by +1 each time.

Common Polyatomic Ions & Examples

  • NO₃⁻ — Nitrate; NO₂⁻ — Nitrite; N³⁻ — Nitride (monoatomic).
  • SO₄²⁻ — Sulfate; SO₃²⁻ — Sulfite; S²⁻ — Sulfide (monoatomic).
  • PO₄³⁻ — Phosphate; PO₃³⁻ — Phosphite; P³⁻ — Phosphide (monoatomic).
  • Cl⁻ — Chloride; ClO⁻ — Hypochlorite; ClO₂⁻ — Chlorite; ClO₃⁻ — Chlorate; ClO₄⁻ — Perchlorate.
  • Similar patterns apply for bromine (Br) and iodine (I) ions.
  • CO₃²⁻ — Carbonate; HCO₃⁻ — Hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate).
  • HSO₄⁻ — Hydrogen sulfate (bisulfate); HSO₃⁻ — Hydrogen sulfite (bisulfite).
  • HPO₄²⁻ — Hydrogen phosphate; H₂PO₄⁻ — Dihydrogen phosphate.
  • OH⁻ — Hydroxide; NH₄⁺ — Ammonium.
  • C₂H₃O₂⁻ — Acetate; C₂O₄²⁻ — Oxalate.
  • CrO₄²⁻ — Chromate; Cr₂O₇²⁻ — Dichromate.
  • MnO₄⁻ — Permanganate.
  • S₂²⁻ — Disulfide; S₂O₃²⁻ — Thiosulfate.
  • CN⁻ — Cyanide; SCN⁻ — Thiocyanate.
  • O₂²⁻ — Peroxide; O₂⁻ — Superoxide; O²⁻ — Oxide.
  • N₃⁻ — Nitride (monoatomic); N₃⁻ (azide) — Polyatomic.
  • BO₃³⁻ — Borate; H₃O⁺ — Hydronium.
  • P₂O₇⁴⁻ — Pyrophosphate.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Polyatomic ion — An ion containing more than one atom.
  • Monoatomic ion — An ion with only one atom.
  • Nitrate (NO₃⁻) — Polyatomic ion with one nitrogen and three oxygens, charge -1.
  • Nitrite (NO₂⁻) — Polyatomic ion with one nitrogen and two oxygens, charge -1.
  • Hydroxide (OH⁻) — Polyatomic ion with oxygen and hydrogen, charge -1.
  • Ammonium (NH₄⁺) — Polyatomic ion with nitrogen and four hydrogens, charge +1.
  • Acetate (C₂H₃O₂⁻) — Polyatomic ion with two carbons, three hydrogens, two oxygens, charge -1.
  • Permanganate (MnO₄⁻) — Polyatomic ion with manganese and four oxygens, charge -1.
  • Thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻) — Polyatomic ion with two sulfurs, three oxygens, charge -2.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Memorize the names, formulas, and charges for all listed polyatomic ions.
  • Practice writing formulas from ion names and vice versa as shown in examples.
  • Review the naming rules for "-ate," "-ite," "per-," and "hypo-."
  • Prepare for quizzes/tests by recalling ions without reference.