Fill in name and empirical formula of each ionic compound that can be formed from ions below

Fill in name and empirical formula of each ionic compound that can be formed from ions below: 1) Cation: Na+, Anion: IO2^- 2) Cation: Na+, Anion: IO4^- 3) Cation: Na+, Anion: IO3^- 4) Cation: Na+, Anion: IO-

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Ionic Compounds Formed from Na⁺ and Iodine Oxyanions

No.CationAnionName of CompoundEmpirical Formula
1Na⁺IO₂⁻Sodium ioditeNaIO₂
2Na⁺IO₄⁻Sodium periodateNaIO₄
3Na⁺IO₃⁻Sodium iodateNaIO₃
4Na⁺IO⁻Sodium hypoioditeNaIO

Explanation:

When forming ionic compounds, cations and anions combine in ratios that result in overall electrical neutrality. In this case, sodium ion (Na⁺) is a monovalent cation, meaning it carries a single positive charge. It can combine with any monovalent anion, such as the oxyanions of iodine, which also carry a single negative charge (⁻1). Because the charges are equal and opposite, these ions combine in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in empirical formulas of the form NaIOₓ, where x depends on the number of oxygen atoms in the polyatomic ion.

The iodine oxyanions are named systematically based on the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the iodine atom:

  • IO⁻ is called hypoiodite. The prefix “hypo-” and suffix “-ite” indicate fewer oxygen atoms than the “-ite” form.
  • IO₂⁻ is iodite, the “-ite” form with fewer oxygens than “-ate”.
  • IO₃⁻ is iodate, the common “-ate” form.
  • IO₄⁻ is periodate, using the prefix “per-” and suffix “-ate” to denote the most oxygen-rich form.

When these anions combine with Na⁺, their names are prefixed by “sodium” (the cation name), and the empirical formula reflects the 1:1 stoichiometry. These naming conventions are standard for ionic compounds involving polyatomic ions and help ensure consistent communication in chemistry.

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