I'm having a difficult time understanding phosphorous-containing ions. For example, phospate is written as PO4 with 3- on top. I don't know what the 4 or 3- stand for. Please explain? Also if you could help me find out the symbols for phophite and hydrogen phospate I'd really apprectiate it. Thanks!
the -3 is the valence of the phosphate ion.
phosphite ion is PO3 ^-3
Hydrogen Phosphate? H3PO4
Thank you very much for your help.
Sure! I'd be happy to explain phosphorus-containing ions and help you find the symbols for phosphite and hydrogen phosphate.
Phosphate (PO4) is an anion, meaning it carries a negative charge. The 3- written on top of PO4 indicates that the phosphate ion has a negative charge of 3. The number 4 in PO4 represents the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central phosphorus atom. In this case, there are four oxygen atoms bonded to one phosphorus atom.
Now, let's move on to phosphite and hydrogen phosphate.
Phosphite is the ion derived from phosphorous acid (H3PO3). Its chemical formula is PO3, with no numerical charge written on top. Phosphite has one less oxygen atom compared to phosphate and carries a charge of 3-, just like phosphate. So the formula for phosphite is PO3 with 3- charge.
Hydrogen phosphate, on the other hand, is the ion derived from phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Its chemical formula is HPO4, with a 2- charge written on top. Hydrogen phosphate has one less hydrogen atom compared to phosphoric acid and carries a charge of 2-. So the formula for hydrogen phosphate is HPO4 with 2- charge.
In summary:
- Phosphate (PO4): Negative charge of 3-, with 4 oxygen atoms.
- Phosphite (PO3): Negative charge of 3-, with 3 oxygen atoms.
- Hydrogen phosphate (HPO4): Negative charge of 2-, with 4 oxygen atoms.
I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, feel free to ask.