Ion Names – A List of Common Monatomic and Polyatomic Ions

Dec 12, 2021

This article discusses ionic nomenclature and common ion names for both monatomic and polyatomic ions and includes a list for reference.

What is an ion?

Before we discuss common ion names, let’s talk about what an ion is.

An ion is an electrically charged atom or molecule. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Ions typically form when atoms come in close proximity to each other. As atoms approach each other, they can gain or lose electrons with other nearby atoms. If the atom gained electron(s), it becomes negatively charged. On the other hand, if the atom lost electron(s), it becomes positively charged. Negatively charged ions are called anions, while positively charged ions are called cations.

Types of ions

There are four major classifications of ions: cations, anions, monatomic ions and polyatomic ions.

Cations, or positively charged ions, are formed when atoms lose one or more electrons. Some examples of cations include calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and potassium (K+). Anions, or negatively charged ions, are formed when atoms gain one or more electrons. Some examples of anions include chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and fluoride (F).

Monatomic ions are ions consisting of only one atom. Some examples of monatomic ions include Na+ (sodium), Cl (chlorine), K+ (potassium), and Ca2+ (calcium). On the other hand, polyatomic ions are ions consisting of more than one atom. Some examples of polyatomic ions include sulfate (SO42-), carbonate (CO32-), and ammonium (NH4+).

Common Ions and Ion Names

Listed below are the most common ions on planet Earth.

IonNames
H+Hydrogen
H3O+Hydronium
OHHydroxide
HHydride
Na+Sodium
K+Potassium
Cu+Copper(I)
Cu2+Copper(II)
Cr2+Chromium(II)
Cr3+Chromium(III)
Fe2+Iron(II)
Fe3+Iron(III)
Ca2+Calcium
Hg22+Mercury(I)
Hg2+Mercury(II)
FFluoride
ClChloride
BrBromide
IIodide
O2-Oxide
O22-Peroxide
S2-Sulfide
N3-Nitride
P3-Phosphide
NH4+Ammonium
CNCyanide
CO32-Carbonate
C2O42-Oxalate
NO2Nitrite
NO3Nitrate
PO33-Phosphite
PO43-Phosphate
SO32-Sulfite
SO42-Sulfate
S2O32-Thiosulfate
C2H3O2Acetate
MnO4Permanganate
CrO42-Chromate
Cr2O72-Dichromate
HCO3Hydrogen Carbonate or Bicarbonate
HSO3Hydrogen Sulfite or Bisulfite
HSO4Hydrogen Sulfate or Bisulfate
HPO42-Hydrogen Phosphate
H2PO4Dihydrogen Phosphate
Common ions list

Resources

Inorganic Nomenclature, UCSC

Further Reading

Useful Websites for Premeds

How to Form Effective Study Groups

BS-MD Programs – The Ultimate Guide and How to Get in 2023

A BS-MD degree is a dual degree program that offers both an undergraduate Bachelor's of Science degree and a medical degree. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about BS-MD degrees and programs. Table of Contents What is a BS/MD degree?How long do...

Adversity Essay Medical School Ultimate Guide Plus Example Topics

The medical school adversity essay is almost a guaranteed essay prompt on your medical school secondary applications. In this essay,

Classes to take before the MCAT

When deciding what classes to take during your premed undergraduate career, you should keep in mind a list of prerequisite courses for medical schools and a list of courses that will help you sufficiently prepare for the MCAT.  In this article, we will discuss...

67 Undergraduate Premed Scholarships – 2023 Updated List

Are you a premed student that needs help paying for college? Check out our list of 67 undergraduate premed scholarships! Read on. College is expensive and it's hard to find ways to pay for it. Every day, students like you have to make tough decisions about how to pay...

The 3 Main Medical School Applications Every Premed Must Know

There are three stages to the medical school application process: primary applications, secondary applications, and interviews. The primary application is the initial application a medical school receives. Secondary applications (a.k.a. supplemental applications) are...

MD-MBA Programs List and How to Get in 2023

An MD-MBA is a Medical Degree and a Master’s of Business Administration. Understanding business can be the game changer for your career in medicine. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about MD-MBA programs. Table of Contents What is an MD-MBA...

Productive Ideas for Your Gap Years Before Med School

In the premedical/medical school admissions world, the term “gap year(s)” refers to the years in between your undergraduate career and medical school career. According to a 2019 survey administered by the AAMC, 43.9% of 15,151 medical students took 1-2 gap years,...

How to Get Published in a Medical Journal

One of the most effective ways to stand out during medical school interviews is to have research experience under your belt. And even better, publishing your scientific findings in a peer-reviewed academic or medical journal. If this is an endeavour you want to...

How to Gain Trust from Faculty and Professors

Before we discuss tips on how to build professional relationships with faculty and professors, let’s discuss why it is a good idea. Medical school admissions members understand that professors play a vital role in your career endeavors. Not only do they educate you,...

Update Letter Medical School Guide, Examples and Templates

In this update letter medical school guide, we show you how to write a great letter that can get you off the waitlist and into the entering medical school class. How to write an update letter for medical school admissions committees So you've been waitlisted by your...