# How do you name polyatomic ion formulas?

May 8, 2018

By the level of oxidation in the atoms

#### Explanation:

ate indicates normal maximum oxidation number

Nitrate = $N {O}_{3}^{-} 1$ $N = + 5$ the maximum oxidation state

ite indicates less than the normal maximum oxidation number

Nitrite = $N {O}_{2}^{-} 1$ $N = + 3$ only the 3 p electrons are oxidized This is less than maximum oxidation number of +5

Hyper means more than normal maximum oxidation

HyperChlorate = $C l {O}_{4}^{-} 1$ $C l = + 7$

All seven valance electrons of Chlorine are oxidized

Chlorate = $C l {O}_{3}^{-} 1$ $C l = + 5$

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 = $C l {O}_{2}^{-} 1$ $C l = + 3$

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 = $C l {O}^{-} 1$ $C l = + 1$

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 $C {l}^{-} 1$ a charge of -1