Question

Write the formula for each of the following carbon-containing ions, including the overall charge of the ion. a. cyanide b. carbonate c. hydrogen carbonate d. acetate

Short answer

The chemical formulas and charges for the given carbon-containing ions are: a. Cyanide ion: \(\text{CN}^{-}\) b. Carbonate ion: \(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\) c. Hydrogen carbonate ion: \(\text{HCO}_3^{-}\) d. Acetate ion: \(\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^{-}\)

Step-by-step solution

a. Cyanide ion

The cyanide ion consists of one carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. The chemical formula for cyanide is CN and carries a negative charge. Therefore, the formula for the cyanide ion is: \(\text{CN}^{-}\).

b. Carbonate ion

The carbonate ion consists of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms, arranged with the carbon atom in the center, forming a trigonal planar structure. The chemical formula for carbonate is CO3, and it carries a charge of 2-. Therefore, the formula for the carbonate ion is: \(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\).

c. Hydrogen carbonate ion

The hydrogen carbonate ion, also known as bicarbonate, consists of one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. The chemical formula for hydrogen carbonate is HCO3, and it carries a negative charge. Therefore, the formula for the hydrogen carbonate ion is: \(\text{HCO}_3^{-}\).

d. Acetate ion

The acetate ion is derived from acetic acid and consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The chemical formula for acetate is CH3COO, and it carries a negative charge. Therefore, the formula for the acetate ion is: \(\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^{-}\).

Key concepts

Cyanide ion

The cyanide ion is a carbon-containing ion known for its simple but potent structure. It consists of one carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom, which makes it quite unique. This ion is represented by the chemical formula

• One carbon (C) atom
• One nitrogen (N) atom
• A single negative charge, shown as

  \(\text{CN}^{-}\)

The cyanide ion is infamous owing to its high toxicity and potential lethality. It can bind to metal ions in biological systems, severely impacting cellular respiration.
Despite these dangers, cyanide compounds are also used in various industrial applications such as mining, plastics production, and electroplating. Always handle with care!

Carbonate ion

Carbonate ion is a commonly encountered carbon-containing ion, especially within the realm of chemistry and geology. With a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, it forms a trigonal planar structure. The formula for carbonate ion is

• One carbon (C) atom
• Three oxygen (O) atoms
• Overall charge of 2-, shown as

  \(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\)

Carbonates are prevalent in nature, often found in minerals like limestone, chalk, and marble. They are also essential components in buffering systems, like those maintaining the pH in oceans. The carbonate ion plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, aiding in the storage of carbon and its exchange between the Earth and atmosphere.

Hydrogen carbonate ion

The hydrogen carbonate ion, also known as bicarbonate, acts as a versatile carbon-containing ion in both biological and chemical systems. It can be thought of as the intermediate form in the conversion between carbon dioxide (

\(\text{CO}_2\)

) and carbonate ions (

\(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\)

). The chemical structure of the hydrogen carbonate ion comprises:

• One hydrogen (H) atom
• One carbon (C) atom
• Three oxygen (O) atoms
• A single negative charge, \(\text{HCO}_3^{-}\)

Bicarbonate ions are incredibly important in human physiology, helping to maintain acid-base balance in the body. They are also prevalent in natural water systems, contributing to buffering capacity and influencing pH levels. In baking, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) acts as a leavening agent.

Acetate ion

Acetate ion is derived from acetic acid and plays an integral role in many biological and industrial processes. The acetate ion consists of two carbon atoms, each bonded to different groups of atoms, giving it the formula

• Two carbon (C) atoms
• Three hydrogen (H) atoms
• Two oxygen (O) atoms
• Carrying a single negative charge: \(\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^{-}\)

Acetates are formed when acetic acid loses a hydrogen ion. They are widely used in textile manufacturing, food industry as emulsifiers, and as chemical intermediates in the production of plastics. In biological systems, acetate ions are vital in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids, promoting energy production and biosynthesis.