Are all polyatomic ions ionic?
1 Answer
Sep 10, 2017
Yes and no.
Yes, all polyatomic ions are ionic with respect to their interaction with OTHER substances. No, not all polyatomic ions are ionic WITHIN THEMSELVES.
CrO2−4 is ionic within itself and with respect to its interactions with OTHER substances. It contains a metal interacting with four nonmetals, and is clearly charged.CO2−3 is molecular within itself and ionic with respect to its interactions with OTHER substances. It contains carbon and three nonmetals, but is clearly charged.
