What are polyatomic ions?
Atoms form ions by loss or gain of electrons. The ions that contain a greater number of protons than electrons are known to hold a net positive charge. These ions are commonly referred to as cations. On the other hand, the ions that contain a greater number of electrons than protons are known to hold a net negative charge. These ions are commonly known as anions.
If an ion is made up of only one type of atom (each holding some net charge, positive or negative), it can be referred to as an atomic ion or a monatomic ion. On the other hand, if an ion is made up of two or more atoms, it can be referred to as a polyatomic ion or a molecular ion.
Table of contents
List of polyatomic ions
- Ions made up of more than one atom are known as polyatomic ions.
- Ions with positive charge are called cations.
- Ions with negative charge are called anions.
| Name | Formula |
|---|---|
| Polyatomic ions (carrying negative charge) | |
| Hydroxide | OH– |
| Acetate | CH3COO– |
| Cyanide | CN– |
| Chlorate | ClO3– |
| Chlorite | ClO2– |
| Nitrate | NO3– |
| Nitrite | NO2– |
| Hypochlorite | OCl– |
| Hypobromite | OBr – |
| Iodate | IO3– |
| Bisulphite | HSO3– |
| Bisulphate | HSO4– |
| Permanganate | MnO4– |
| Thiocyanate | SCN– |
| Hydrogen carbonate | HCO3– |
| Carbonate | CO32- |
| Sulphate | SO42- |
| Sulphite | SO32- |
| Oxalate | C2O42- |
| Silicate | SiO32- |
| Manganate | MnO42- |
| Thiosulphate | S2O32- |
| Chromate | CrO42- |
| Dichromate | Cr2O72- |
| Phosphate | PO43- |
| Phosphite | PO33- |
| Aluminate | AlO33- |
| Arsenite | AsO33- |
| Arsenate | AsO43- |
| Borate | BO33- |
| Pyrophosphate | P2O74- |
| Polyatomic ions (carrying positive charge) | |
| Ammonium | NH4+ |
List of monatomic ions
- The ions made of a single atom are called simple ions or monatomic ions.
| Name | Formula |
|---|---|
| Monatomic ions (carrying positive charge) | |
| Hydrogen | H+ |
| Potassium | K+ |
| Sodium | Na+ |
| Silver | Ag+ |
| Cuprous | Cu+ |
| Aurous | Au+ |
| Barium | Ba2+ |
| Calcium | Ca2+ |
| Magnesium | Mg2+ |
| Cupric | Cu2+ |
| Ferrous | Fe2+ |
| Stannous | Sn2+ |
| Mercuric | Hg2+ |
| Zinc | Zn2+ |
| Plumbous | Pb2+ |
| Aluminum | Al3+ |
| Ferric | Fe3+ |
| Auric | Au3+ |
| Arseneous | As3+ |
| Plumbic | Pb4+ |
| Stannic | Sn4+ |
| Monatomic ions (carrying negative charge) | |
| Chloride | Cl– |
| Bromide | Br – |
| Iodide | I– |
| Oxide | O2- |
| Sulphide | S2- |
| Nitride | N3- |
| Phosphide | P3- |
Frequently Asked Questions on Polyatomic ions list
What are 3 examples of polyatomic ions?
Examples of polyatomic ions are Acetate(CH3COO–), Phosphate (PO43-), Permanganate (MnO4–), Oxalate (C2O42-) etc.
What is a polyatomic element?
The is made up of two or more atoms, it can be referred to as a polyatomic ion or a molecular ion. Depending on the charge it may be classified as cations and anions
Is phosphate a polyatomic ion?
Phosphate (PO43-) is a polyatomic ion carrying a negative charge. The phosphate ion made more than one atom.
What are monatomic ions called?
The ion is made up of only one type of atom each holding some net charge, positive or negative, it can be referred to as a monatomic ion.
Is Mg2+ a polyatomic ion?
No Mg2+ ion is a monatomic ion, it is made up of only one Mg atom.
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