Polyatomic ions
• Poly = Many
• Atomic = having to do with atoms
• ions = having a charge + or –
How do more than one atom come together?
sulfite
-2
-
-
(Sulfur dioxide SO2) Used as a preservative in wine for its
antibacterial properties, and as a bleaching agent in flour. Sulfur dioxide may
be used to fumigate fruit and vegetables to extend their shelf life.
Occurs naturally in the atmosphere and as
a pollutant gas from combustion of fuels
with sulfur. Sulfur dioxide is one cause of
acid rain.
sulfite
-2
SO SO2
SO3 SO3-2
(Sulfite) Used to sterilize fermentation equipment and food
containers, as well as for its antimicrobial properties. Generally
meat, cereals and dairy products may not be treated with it as it
destroys thiamine (vitamin B1) content. Over exposure to
sulfites in food may cause an asthmatic attack.
1 out 100 people are sensitive to sulfite causing allergic
reactions. Some people have died.
sulfite
-2
sulfate
Sulfuric Acid 2H+ + SO4-2
Calcium sulfate (casts, gypsum-drywall) (White
Sands, NM)
Magnesium Sulfate (Epson salts)
Barium Sulfate (contrast medium for xrays)
Copper sulfate is an algaecide.
-2
Sulfuric Acid 2H+ + SO4-2
Calcium sulfate (casts, gypsum-drywall) (White Sands, NM)
Magnesium Sulfate (Epson salts)
Barium Sulfate (contrast medium for xrays)
chlorite
chlorate
perchlorate
Sodium
hypochlorite
Cl2
ClO ClO2 ClO3
Chlorate & perchlorate strong oxidizers
Metallic chlorates & perchlorates turn
into salt plus oxygen.
KClO3  KCl + O2
Fireworks, explosives, O2 for rocket fuel
ClO4
4-5 million pounds per day Chlorine dioxide for disinfecting
drinking water, bleaching paper pulp, treating foods such as
shrimp, fruits, vegetables, flour.
Sanitizing food processing equipment.
Chlorine dioxide used to sterilize water in water treatment
plants.
Chlorine dioxide was used to fumigate Fed buildings for
anthrax. It was created at the site.
O
-
H
H
N
-
H
Amino part
C
H
C
O
H
Acid part
Ammonia is created in the body from digestion of proteins and
amino acids. If there’s an excess of nitrogen, the body
converts it to urea, which is less toxic. Urea is expelled in the
urine.
Some babies are born without the enzymes to convert ammonia
to urea, so they develop hyperammonemia, which is fatal or will
cause brain damage.
Ammonia is formed when animal waste is decomposed by
bacteria.
+1
-1
-
-
-
-
Ammonia added to water will form ammonium
hydroxide (cleaning “ammonia”)
Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer, explosives
Ammonium chloride: conducts electricity inside
dry-cell batteries. Also used in cough medicines
to hide the taste of bitter tasting medicines. Also
used as expectorant.
High nitrate levels in drinking water can harm infants. Nitrate is converted into nitrite
by bacteria that survives in infants’ stomachs causing “blue baby syndrome”
High nitrate levels in drinking
water can harm infants.
Nitrate is converted into
nitrite by bacteria that
survives in infants’ stomachs.
by bacteria that survives in infants’ stomachs causing “blue baby syndrome”
The nitrite in the blood converts the hemoglobin in red
blood cells to methemoglobin (“meta” + hemoglobin)
Metamorphosis (meta + morpho) change+shape
This reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen,
causing a condition known as methemoglobinemia,
or "blue baby syndrome."
Nitrite
-1
Nitrate
NO2
NO3
-1
Acetic
AcetateAcid (vinegar)
-1
-
-
-
C2H3O2
When hydrogen proton comes off or reacts with something,
its electron is left behind. This makes the remaining
molecule negatively charged. It then becomes the acetate
ion. The negatively charged acetate ion is then attracted to
anything positive, such as metals that have lost an electron.
Ammonium
acetate
NH4C2H3O2 is
used in
permanent
waves products.
Cellulose acetate made from
acetic acid and cellulose
(wood fiber) used to make
clear plastic, fabrics, and
movie film (celluloid)
Sodium
acetate
NaC2H3O2 is
used for
instant heating
pads.acetate.
Calcium acetate
Ca(C2H3O2)2 is
used as a
thickener in
batters, butter,
puddings, pie
fillers.
-2
-
CaCO3 is a common mineral. One form
is calcite and another is chalk.
It is often created by marine life.
Coral is mostly CaCO3 (calcium
carbonate) and is used as a calcium
supplement.
TUMS is also calcium carbonate and is
promoted as acid neutralizer and calcium
supplement
cyanide CN- -
hydrogen cyanide HCN
Cyanide CN- is
found in solution.
Hydrogen cyanide
HCN is the gas.
Gas chambers
used a pesticide
called Zyklon B,
which decomposed
to HCN. First used
in camps to
delouse and for
Typhus.
-
-
Cyanide CNThe seeds and pits of apricots, cherries,
almonds, peaches, and apples contain
amygdalin. Inside the intestine bacteria
can convert this to cyanide. Under the
name of Laetrile, amygdalin has been
proposed as a treatment for cancer, but
the medical community has rejected this
claim.
Cyanide CN-
Cassava is an important food source for
500 million people, but the roots contain a
substance that, when eaten, can trigger the
production of cyanide. Only proper cooking
can neutralize the substance.
Sodium acetate is used for
instant heating pads By
breaking a capsule a seed
crystal of sodium acetate
allows the crystallization of
the supercooled liquid
sodium acetate.
Acetate
-1
-
-
-
Zinc acetate in lozenges to
fight colds.
Calcium acetate is used as a thickener in batters,
butter, puddings, pie fillers. It also is used to
adjust acidity (pH) of foods and to preserve foods.
Ammonium acetate is used in permanent waves
and haircare products.
Cellulose acetate made
from acetic acid and
cellulose (wood fiber)
used to make clear plastic,
fabrics, and movie film
(celluloid)
Acetate
-1
-
-
-
-2
CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3 -> H+ + HCO3-1 -> 2H+ + CO3-2
-
Important in the body to maintain correct pH
in blood.
Not enough breathing and CO2 levels rise
leading to more acidity and condition called
acidosis. Hyperventilation and too much
CO2 being expelled leads to condition of
alkalosis.
This same reaction happens in making
carbonated drinks. Compressed CO2 is
bubbled through water making carbonic acid.
-1
-
Baking soda is Sodium bicarbonate or
NaHCO3. This reacts with acids in the food
to form carbon dioxide gas to get the batter
to rise.
NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2(gas)
Baking powder has its own acids to help
the reaction to take place.
-
To reduce acidity in the blood, sometimes sodium or
potassium bicarbonate are injected into patients that
have developed diabetes induced acidosis. Other
conditions that cause acidosis may also be treated
by bicarbonates.