Which of the following are simple molecular ions?
CO32-
NH4+
NaCl
NO3-
i think a and b but not sure
To determine which of the given choices are simple molecular ions, let's break down the different ions and analyze their molecular structures.
1. CO32- (carbonate ion): This ion contains three oxygen atoms (O) and one carbon atom (C) bonded together. Each oxygen atom forms a single bond with the carbon atom, while the remaining two electron pairs on each oxygen atom form double bonds, resulting in a symmetrical triangular structure. Therefore, CO32- is a molecular ion.
2. NH4+ (ammonium ion): This ion consists of one nitrogen atom (N) and four hydrogen atoms (H) bonded together. The nitrogen atom forms four single bonds with the hydrogen atoms, resulting in a tetrahedral arrangement. Although this molecule contains only nonmetals, it is not considered a molecular ion since it carries a positive charge. Instead, it is classified as a polyatomic ion.
3. NaCl (sodium chloride): This compound consists of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions. Sodium (Na+) is a cation, while chloride (Cl-) is an anion. These ions are held together by ionic bonds and do not contain discrete molecules. Thus, NaCl is not a molecular ion.
4. NO3- (nitrate ion): This ion contains one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O) bonded together. One of the oxygen atoms forms a double bond with the nitrogen atom, while the remaining two oxygen atoms form single bonds. The overall structure of the NO3- ion is trigonal planar. Therefore, NO3- is a molecular ion.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is (a) CO32- and (d) NO3-.