Special Sub-Topic: Polyatomic Ions Click Here To Play: Polyatomic Ions

Dichromates are toxic substances that are usually insoluble in water. What is the formula for this polyatomic ion?

Cr2O7 (2-). CrO4 (2-) is chromate. The others are made up to my knowledge!

Hydroxide is a popular ion used in bases. What is its formula?

OH (1-). H2O isn't a polyatomic ion, but it is the popular solvent, water. H (1+) is merely a proton. (1 proton, 0 neutrons, 0 electrons) O2H (-3) doesn't exist. OH without charge is a hydroxyl radical.

Perchlorate has multiple uses. Its found in matches, flares, explosives, and even nuclear reactors. So what is the formula for this polyatomic ion?

ClO4 (1-). ClO3 (1-) is chlorate. ClO2 (1-) is chorite. ClO (1-) is hypochlorite.

Ammonium, not to be confused with ammonia, allowed Germany to start World War 1. Using the nitrogen for both fertilizer and bombs, the Kaiser had no more need to import across the Atlantic Ocean. So which of these polyatomic ions is ammonium?

NH4 (1+). NH3 is ammonia. NH2 (1-) is amide, a highly alkaline ion. NH would have to be (2-) to be correct and would be so extremely alkaline to be unstable in nearly any environment.

Filter tipped cigarettes are possible thanks to Acetate Products Ltd. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, acetate?

C2H3O2 (1-). C2H3O2 (1-) can also be written as CH3COO (1-), but is the only one of the four to exist.

Ammonium nitrate is heavily used in explosives and fertilizers. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, nitrate?

NO3 (1-). NO2 (-1) is nitrite. NO isn't a polyatomic ion but is called nitrogen monoxide. N2O is also not a polyatomic ion, but is called dinitrogen monoxide.

Time to do some spring cleaning, and we have all our cleaning products in the kitchen. Sodium sulfite is one popular compound found in these cleaners. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, sulfite?

SO3 (2-). SO4 (2-) is Sulfate. The other two do not exist.

"Someone's poisoned the water hole!" Cyanide poisoning is one type of poisoning found in water. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, cyanide?

CN (1-). CNS (1-) is thiocyanate. The other two don't exisit.

In 1978 an agency in Florida was created called the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, phosphate?

PO4 (3-). PO2 (3-) is hypophosphite. The other two are made up to my knowledge.

Potassium permanganate is not something I would recommend tasting. It's said that consuming 10-20 grams of the stuff could kill a person. What is the formula for the polyatomic ion, permanganate?

MnO4 (1-). MnO4 (2-) is the manganate ion which has a Mn(VI) instead of the Mn(VII). The other two don't exist.