Determine the central atom

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 84 views

Introduction

Polyatomic ions are a fundamental concept in chemistry, and understanding their properties is crucial for grasping various chemical reactions and processes. In this article, we will delve into the world of polyatomic ions, focusing on the molecular formula ${$ \text{ClO}^- $}$. We will explore the number of valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule and a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion, as well as draw the Lewis structure for the latter.

Valence Electrons in a Neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ Molecule

To determine the number of valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule, we need to consider the atomic structure of chlorine (Cl) and oxygen (O). Chlorine is a halogen in group 17 of the periodic table, which means it has seven valence electrons. Oxygen, on the other hand, is a nonmetal in group 16, with six valence electrons.

When we combine chlorine and oxygen to form a molecule, we need to consider the number of valence electrons each atom contributes. Chlorine contributes seven valence electrons, while oxygen contributes six. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule is:

7 (valence electrons from Cl) + 6 (valence electrons from O) = 13

Valence Electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ Polyatomic Ion

Now, let's consider the ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion. As we mentioned earlier, a polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that carries a charge. In this case, the ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ ion has a negative charge, which means it has one more electron than a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule.

To determine the number of valence electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion, we need to add one electron to the total number of valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule:

13 (valence electrons in a neutral ClO molecule) + 1 (additional electron) = 14

Drawing the Lewis Structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$

Now that we have determined the number of valence electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion, let's draw the Lewis structure for this ion. The Lewis structure is a diagram that shows the arrangement of electrons in a molecule or ion.

To draw the Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$, we need to follow these steps:

Determine the central atom: In this case, the central atom is chlorine (Cl).
Determine the number of valence electrons: As we mentioned earlier, the ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion has 14 valence electrons.
Draw the single bonds: Chlorine (Cl) will form a single bond with oxygen (O).
Distribute the remaining electrons: The remaining electrons will be distributed around the atoms, with chlorine (Cl) having three lone pairs and oxygen (O) having two lone pairs.

Here is the Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$:

Cl O

Cl (3 lone pairs) O (2 lone pairs)

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the number of valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule and a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion. We have also drawn the Lewis structure for the latter, which shows the arrangement of electrons in this ion. Understanding polyatomic ions is crucial for grasping various chemical reactions and processes, and we hope this article has provided a comprehensive guide to this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a polyatomic ion?
How many valence electrons are in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule?
How many valence electrons are in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion?
What is the Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$?

Answer Key

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that carries a charge.
There are 13 valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule.
There are 14 valence electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion.
The Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ shows chlorine (Cl) with three lone pairs and oxygen (O) with two lone pairs.

References

Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2002). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Prentice Hall.
Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., & Murphy, C. (2008). Chemistry: The central science. Prentice Hall.
Polyatomic Ions: A Comprehensive Q&A Guide =====================================================

Introduction

Q1: What is a polyatomic ion?

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that carries a charge. Unlike monatomic ions, which consist of a single atom, polyatomic ions are composed of multiple atoms that are covalently bonded together.

Q2: How many valence electrons are in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule?

There are 13 valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule. Chlorine (Cl) contributes seven valence electrons, while oxygen (O) contributes six.

Q3: How many valence electrons are in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion?

There are 14 valence electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion. This is because the ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ ion has a negative charge, which means it has one more electron than a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule.

Q4: What is the Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$?

The Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ shows chlorine (Cl) with three lone pairs and oxygen (O) with two lone pairs. This structure is a diagram that shows the arrangement of electrons in a molecule or ion.

Q5: What is the difference between a polyatomic ion and a monatomic ion?

The main difference between a polyatomic ion and a monatomic ion is the number of atoms that make up the ion. Polyatomic ions are composed of multiple atoms that are covalently bonded together, while monatomic ions consist of a single atom.

Q6: How do polyatomic ions form?

Polyatomic ions form when a group of atoms that are covalently bonded together gain or lose electrons to form a charged species. This can occur through various chemical reactions, such as acid-base reactions or redox reactions.

Q7: What are some common examples of polyatomic ions?

Some common examples of polyatomic ions include:

${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ (chlorite ion)
${$ \text{NO}_3^-$}$ (nitrate ion)
${$ \text{SO}_4^{2-}$}$ (sulfate ion)
${$ \text{PO}_4^{3-}$}$ (phosphate ion)

Q8: What are the properties of polyatomic ions?

Polyatomic ions have several properties that are important to understand:

Charge: Polyatomic ions carry a charge, which can be positive or negative.
Size: Polyatomic ions are typically larger than monatomic ions.
Shape: Polyatomic ions can have a variety of shapes, depending on the arrangement of their atoms.
Reactivity: Polyatomic ions can be highly reactive, depending on their charge and shape.

Q9: How do polyatomic ions participate in chemical reactions?

Polyatomic ions can participate in various chemical reactions, including:

Acid-base reactions: Polyatomic ions can act as acids or bases, depending on their charge and shape.
Redox reactions: Polyatomic ions can undergo redox reactions, in which they gain or lose electrons.
Precipitation reactions: Polyatomic ions can form precipitates with other ions or molecules.

Q10: What are the applications of polyatomic ions?

Polyatomic ions have a wide range of applications in various fields, including:

Chemical synthesis: Polyatomic ions are used as reagents in chemical synthesis reactions.
Biological systems: Polyatomic ions play important roles in biological systems, such as in the transport of ions across cell membranes.
Environmental science: Polyatomic ions are used to study environmental processes, such as the transport of pollutants in water and air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, polyatomic ions are a fundamental concept in chemistry, and understanding their properties is crucial for grasping various chemical reactions and processes. We hope this Q&A guide has provided a comprehensive overview of polyatomic ions and their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a polyatomic ion?
How many valence electrons are in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule?
How many valence electrons are in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion?
What is the Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$?
What is the difference between a polyatomic ion and a monatomic ion?
How do polyatomic ions form?
What are some common examples of polyatomic ions?
What are the properties of polyatomic ions?
How do polyatomic ions participate in chemical reactions?
What are the applications of polyatomic ions?

Answer Key

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that carries a charge.
There are 13 valence electrons in a neutral ${$ \text{ClO}$}$ molecule.
There are 14 valence electrons in a ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ polyatomic ion.
The Lewis structure for ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$ shows chlorine (Cl) with three lone pairs and oxygen (O) with two lone pairs.
The main difference between a polyatomic ion and a monatomic ion is the number of atoms that make up the ion.
Polyatomic ions form when a group of atoms that are covalently bonded together gain or lose electrons to form a charged species.
Some common examples of polyatomic ions include ${$ \text{ClO}^-$}$, ${$ \text{NO}_3^-$}$, ${$ \text{SO}_4^{2-}$}$, and ${$ \text{PO}_4^{3-}$}$.
Polyatomic ions have several properties, including charge, size, shape, and reactivity.
Polyatomic ions can participate in various chemical reactions, including acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and precipitation reactions.
Polyatomic ions have a wide range of applications in various fields, including chemical synthesis, biological systems, and environmental science.

References

Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2002). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Prentice Hall.
Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2006). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., & Murphy, C. (2008). Chemistry: The central science. Prentice Hall.