The compound NH4CH3COO is an ionic compound. What are the ions of which it is composed? Cation formula Anion formula
The correct answer and explanation is:
The compound NH4CH3COO is composed of the ammonium ion and the acetate ion.
Cation formula: NH4^+
Anion formula: CH3COO^−
Explanation
NH4CH3COO is known as ammonium acetate. It is an ionic compound formed by a positively charged ion (cation) and a negatively charged ion (anion).
- Cation (NH4^+):
The ammonium ion (NH4^+) is a polyatomic ion made up of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms. It carries a positive charge of +1 because it is formed when ammonia (NH3) accepts a proton (H^+). This gives it an overall positive charge. Ammonium acts like a metal ion in ionic compounds, combining with negatively charged ions. - Anion (CH3COO^−):
The acetate ion (CH3COO^−) is a negatively charged polyatomic ion. It is derived from acetic acid (CH3COOH) by losing a proton (H^+), which leaves it with a charge of −1. The acetate ion consists of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, arranged such that one oxygen carries the negative charge.
Because ammonium has a +1 charge and acetate has a −1 charge, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral compound. The ionic nature of ammonium acetate results from the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged ammonium ion and the negatively charged acetate ion.
This compound is soluble in water and dissociates into its ions when dissolved, making it useful in various chemical applications including buffer solutions in biochemistry. Its ionic structure contributes to its physical properties like melting point and solubility.
In summary, ammonium acetate (NH4CH3COO) is made up of ammonium cations (NH4^+) and acetate anions (CH3COO^−).