Question

Are polyatomic ions ionic?

Answer 1

Well, yes..........

Explanation:

`"Sulfates, nitrates, perchlorates, phosphates......."`; all of these species, and others, are polyatomic ions. Lewis structures can represent (sometimes) their ionic character: `O=N^(+)(-O)_2""^-, (O=)_2S(-O)_2^-,(O=)_3ClO^(-)`; all of these species have formal negative charges. And these are combined with metal or protic cations in the solid state. And of course, cations, too, can be polyatomic; the best example is `"ammonium ion"`, i.e. `NH_4^+`.