Question

How do I write `Sn(NO_3)_2` in Ionic formula?

Answer 1

You write Sn(NO₃)₂ as Sn²⁺, 2NO₃⁻.

The formula Sn(NO₃)₂ tells you that there are one Sn ion and two NO₃ ions in a formula unit.

The positive ions come first in the formula. So we have `Sn^(m+)` ions and `NO_3^(n-)` ions. But what are the values of m and n?

Sn is not a metal from Group 1, 2, or 3, so the Periodic Table doesn’t help us. And NO₃ is a polyatomic ion. Again, the Periodic Table gives no help.

We have to think of some simple compound that contains NO₃. Possibilities are HNO₃ and NaNO₃. Both H and Na are in Group 1. They form +1 ions.

Since HNO₃ is neutral and H has a charge of +1, NO₃ must have a charge of -1. The formula of the ion is NO₃⁻.

Sn(NO₃)₂ contains two NO₃⁻ ions, for a total charge of -2. The Sn ion must then have a charge of +2. We write its symbol as Sn²⁺.

The ionic formulation of Sn(NO₃)₂ is Sn²⁺, 2NO₃⁻.