Question

How do you name polyatomic ion formulas?

Answer 1

By the level of oxidation in the atoms

Explanation:

ate indicates normal maximum oxidation number

Nitrate = `NO_3^-1` `N = +5` the maximum oxidation state

ite indicates less than the normal maximum oxidation number

Nitrite = `NO_2^-1` `N = +3` only the 3 p electrons are oxidized This is less than maximum oxidation number of +5

Hyper means more than normal maximum oxidation

HyperChlorate = `ClO_4^-1` `Cl = +7`

All seven valance electrons of Chlorine are oxidized

Chlorate = `ClO_3^-1` `Cl = +5`

The 5 p electrons are oxidized and not the 2 s electrons which are more stable this is the maximum normal positive oxidation number of Chlorine

ite is less than normal maximum oxidation

Chlorite = `ClO_2^-1` `Cl = +3`

The one single p electron and 1 set of paired p electrons are oxidized this is less than the normal oxidation of Chlorine

Hypo is much less than the normal maximum oxidation

HypoChlorite = `ClO^-1` `Cl =+1`

Only the one single p electron is oxidized. This is much lower than normal oxidation number of Chlorine. ( note the single p electron of Chlorine is normally reduced giving Chlorine ion `Cl^-1` a charge of -1