Multiple Choice
What is the name of the polyatomic ion with the formula C2H3O2−?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Polyatomic Ions
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the hypochlorite polyatomic ion?
A
ClO_4^−
B
ClO_3^−
C
ClO^−
D
ClO_2^−
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the problem asks for the chemical formula of the hypochlorite ion, which is a specific polyatomic ion containing chlorine and oxygen with a negative charge.
Recall the common oxyanions of chlorine and their formulas: perchlorate (ClO_4^-), chlorate (ClO_3^-), chlorite (ClO_2^-), and hypochlorite (ClO^-).
Identify that the prefix 'hypo-' in oxyanions indicates the ion with the fewest oxygen atoms bonded to chlorine.
Match the given options to these known ions: ClO_4^- is perchlorate, ClO_3^- is chlorate, ClO_2^- is chlorite, and ClO^- is hypochlorite.
Conclude that the correct formula for the hypochlorite ion is ClO^- because it has one oxygen atom and a single negative charge.
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