April 26, 2024, 05:37:31 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Topic: Why is the "Br3" in CrBr3 considered a monoatomic ion if there are 3 atoms?  (Read 1878 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Cyrustorz

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 29
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-2
Why is the "Br3" in CrBr3 considered a monoatomic ion if there are 3 atoms?
« on: August 24, 2015, 04:54:50 AM »
My chemistry book says that the anions in ionic compounds are given the suffix "-ide" only if it is "monoatomic".  Earlier, my chemistry book told me that molecular elements are "polyatomic" when they exist with more than 2 atoms.  Br3 therefor fits this description for "polyatomic", so why is it considered "monoatomic" when it is named?
Logged

Offline mjc123

  • Chemist
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2053
  • Mole Snacks: +296/-12
Re: Why is the "Br3" in CrBr3 considered a monoatomic ion if there are 3 atoms?
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2015, 05:06:39 AM »
CrBr3 contains a Cr3+ ion and three Br- ions. The Br- ions are separate monatomic anions, not polyatomic. (There is a triatomic Br3- ion, but that is not what is involved here.)
Logged

Offline Cyrustorz

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 29
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-2
Re: Why is the "Br3" in CrBr3 considered a monoatomic ion if there are 3 atoms?
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2015, 05:08:47 AM »
Quote from: mjc123 on August 24, 2015, 05:06:39 AM
CrBr3 contains a Cr3+ ion and three Br- ions. The Br- ions are separate monatomic anions, not polyatomic. (There is a triatomic Br3- ion, but that is not what is involved here.)

Oh I get it. Thanks!
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »
Sponsored Links