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.
#"CrO"_4^(2-)# 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.#"CO"_3^(2-)# is molecular within itself and ionic with respect to its interactions with OTHER substances. It contains carbon and three nonmetals, but is clearly charged.
