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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: KurzickMushroom on February 28, 2009, 06:26:06 PM

Title: Difference between a polyatomic ion and regular chemical compound
Post by: KurzickMushroom on February 28, 2009, 06:26:06 PM

Hi guys. I'm was doing redox reactions and got confused between a polyatomic ion and a regular chemical compound. I was dealing with a SO₂ on the products side. I thought it was hyposulphite and would following the charge of 2-. My teacher told me that this was sulphur dioxide instead. How can I distinguish between them? From what she told me, if I see what looks to be a polyatomic ion standing alone, is it just a regular compound?

ex: KPO₄ is Potassium phosphate.

If I get PO₄ + ? + ?----> ?

Would this PO₄ that is standing alone be considered Phosphorus Tetroxide?

Title: Re: Difference between a polyatomic ion and regular chemical compound
Post by: Astrokel on February 28, 2009, 07:15:32 PM

There is no KPO₄ because phosphate is PO₄^3-. I don't get your last sentence.

Title: Re: Difference between a polyatomic ion and regular chemical compound
Post by: KurzickMushroom on February 28, 2009, 08:11:44 PM

TY Astrokel, I got understand this now, sry for the confusion.