Question

Provide the formula for each of the following polyatomic ions: (a) chlorate ion (b) perchlorate ion (c) permanganate ion (d) acetate ion

Short answer

(a) \(ClO_3^-\), (b) \(ClO_4^-\), (c) \(MnO_4^-\), (d) \(CH_3COO^-\).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Task

The exercise asks us to provide the formula for each of the given polyatomic ions. These are groups of atoms that behave as a unit and carry a charge.

Chlorate Ion Formula

The chlorate ion is a polyatomic ion with the chemical formula \[ClO_3^-\]. This ion consists of one chlorine atom covalently bonded to three oxygen atoms and carries a -1 charge.

Perchlorate Ion Formula

The perchlorate ion is similar to the chlorate ion but has one additional oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is given by \[ClO_4^-\]. This ion consists of one chlorine atom covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms and carries a -1 charge.

Permanganate Ion Formula

The permanganate ion comprises one manganese atom and four oxygen atoms, forming the chemical formula \[MnO_4^-\]. This ion carries a -1 charge and is useful in various oxidation-reduction reactions.

Acetate Ion Formula

The acetate ion is an organic ion with the chemical formula \[CH_3COO^-\] or alternatively \[C_2H_3O_2^-\]. This consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, carrying a -1 charge.

Key concepts

Chlorate Ion

A chlorate ion is a polyatomic ion, meaning it is a group of atoms covalently bonded that possess an overall charge. Specifically, the chemical formula for a chlorate ion is \(ClO_3^-\). This ion is composed of:

• One chlorine (Cl) atom
• Three oxygen (O) atoms

The charged entity carries a -1 charge, which influences how chlorate ions participate in chemical reactions. Chlorate ions typically show up in various chemical compounds, particularly within bleaches and disinfectants, where their oxidizing properties are significant.

Perchlorate Ion

The perchlorate ion is another type of polyatomic ion similar to chlorate, but with an additional oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is \(ClO_4^-\). Breaking it down, the perchlorate ion consists of:

• One chlorine (Cl) atom
• Four oxygen (O) atoms

Like the chlorate ion, it carries a -1 charge. Perchlorate ions are noted for their stability and are commonly used in explosives and propellants. Their strong oxidizing properties make them effective components in these applications.

Permanganate Ion

The permanganate ion is a distinct polyatomic ion, well-known for its intense purple color. This ion is represented by the formula \(MnO_4^-\). It comprises:

• One manganese (Mn) atom
• Four oxygen (O) atoms

The permanganate ion also carries a -1 charge, a feature it shares with many other polyatomic ions. Its strong oxidizing ability makes it invaluable in redox reactions, often used for titrations in chemistry to determine the concentration of unknown solutions.

Acetate Ion

The acetate ion is an organic ion most commonly represented with the formula \(CH_3COO^-\) or \(C_2H_3O_2^-\). The structure comprises:

• Two carbon (C) atoms
• Three hydrogen (H) atoms
• Two oxygen (O) atoms

This ion, like others mentioned, carries a -1 charge. Acetate ions are prevalent in many areas of chemistry and biochemistry, finding roles in the formation of esters and serving as a building block in the synthesis of various compounds. Its involvement in metabolic pathways also highlights its biological significance.