Question

Supply a systematic name for each of the following oxyanions: (a) \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\) (c) \(\mathrm{ClO}_{3}^{-}\) (d) \(\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{-}\)

Short answer

(a) Nitrate, (b) Nitrite, (c) Chlorate, (d) Chlorite

Step-by-step solution

Understand Oxyanions

Oxyanions are negatively charged ions that consist of oxygen and another element. They are typically named based on the number of oxygen atoms attached and the charge of the ion.

Nitrate Ion Naming

For \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\), the oxyanion has one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms with a single negative charge. The systematic name based on its structure and charge is 'nitrate ion.'

Nitrite Ion Naming

The oxyanion \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\) contains one nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms with a single negative charge, hence it is systematically named as 'nitrite ion.'

Chlorate Ion Naming

Next, \(\mathrm{ClO}_{3}^{-}\), consists of one chlorine atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, and has a single negative charge. It is methodically named as 'chlorate ion.'

Chlorite Ion Naming

Finally, \(\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{-}\) has one chlorine atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and a single negative charge, systematically named as 'chlorite ion.'

Key concepts

Oxyanions

Oxyanions are a fundamental concept in chemistry that involve negatively charged ions, consisting of oxygen bonded to another element. These ions are a key part of understanding molecular compositions, especially in inorganic chemistry. The naming of oxyanions is systematic and is based on the number of oxygen atoms present along with any charge the ion might possess. The process involves determining the element that is bonded to oxygen, followed by quantifying the number of oxygens present in the ion. This allows chemists to systematically name the ion based on its structure. Oxyanions are essential when describing various compounds, particularly those involving elements like nitrogen and chlorine. By understanding these ions, students can better grasp how molecular structures are formed and named.

Nitrate Ion

The nitrate ion is represented by the chemical formula \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\). This ion plays a significant role in many chemical and biological processes, including plant nutrition and the nitrogen cycle in the environment. A nitrate ion is composed of a single nitrogen atom covalently bonded to three oxygen atoms, making it an oxyanion. The negative charge of -1 comes from an excess electron. In systematic nomenclature, the name 'nitrate ion' is derived from the three oxygen atoms bonded to the nitrogen, signaling its unique structure. This naming helps differentiate it from other similar ions like nitrite, which has fewer oxygen atoms.

Nitrite Ion

The nitrite ion is represented as \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\). It is another example of an oxyanion where the nitrogen atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms. This composition leads to distinct chemical properties compared to nitrate ions. The single negative charge (\