Gchem-Cm-Utexas-Ed
Gchem-Cm-Utexas-Ed
Gchem-Cm-Utexas-Ed
There are a number of ions that are not individual atoms but are composed of multiple atoms that are
covalently bonded together. However, this group of atoms is most stable when it has either lost of gained an
electron and thus existed as a charged ion. These polyatomic ions are extremely common in chemistry and
thus it is important to be able to both recognize and name them. While there are many such ions in the world,
you are responsible for knowing the ions listed in the following tables.
Name Formula
ammonium NH4+
nitrite NO2−
nitrate NO3−
sulfite SO32−
sulfate SO42−
thiosulfate S2O32−
oxalate C2O42−
hydroxide OH−
Name Formula
phosphite PO33−
phosphate PO43−
perchlorate ClO4−
chlorate ClO3−
chlorite ClO2−
hypochlorite ClO−
bromate BrO3−
iodate IO3−
Name Formula
acetate CH3COO−
acetate C 2 H 3 O2 −
carbonate CO32−
chromate CrO42−
dichromate Cr2O72−
permanganate MnO4−
peroxide O22−
cyanide CN−
cyanate OCN−
thiocyanate SCN−