How to determine the formula for polyatomic group such as carbonate ion?
I know that the formula for Carbonate ion is CO3, or that Sulfate ion is SO4. But how do you get there? How to know exactly that Carbon will always go with 3 Oxygens - or that Sulfate will always bond with 4 Oxygens to form sulfate ion?
Are the atomic number and the valence shell the clue to finding out the polyatomic group formula?
Thanks.
2007-05-07 05:46:11 · 2 answers · asked by Forwardium 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
You are pretty close. The suffix -ate means that it has less hydrogens than it otherwise could. It is the conjugate base of an acid (which has the suffix "-ic").
Sulfuric acid + water
H2SO4 + H2O → H3O+ + HSO4-
Sulfur-IC Acid → Hydrogen Sulf-ATE
2007-05-07 05:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is the valence shell electrons that will determine the structure and composition of the polyatomic ion. Try drawing the electron dot structures for the compounds. that will help you to visualize what is happening.
The first row elements -- C, N, O, etc. -- will be easy. You will probably struggle with the second and third row elements -- P, S, As, Se, etc. -- as soon as you start filling d-orbitals, the possibilities for different valences goes through the roof.
2007-05-07 12:59:28 · answer #2 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋