Which of the following anions would bond with K^+ in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral ionic compound?

• A. PO_4^{3-}
• B. SO_4^{2-}
• C. Cl^-
• D. O^{2-}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charge on the potassium ion, K^+, which is +1.
2. Examine each anion's charge to determine the ratio needed to balance the positive charge of K^+ to form a neutral compound:
3. For PO_4^{3-}, the phosphate ion has a charge of -3, so 3 K^+ ions would be needed to balance one PO_4^{3-} ion, resulting in a 3:1 ratio, not 1:1.
4. For SO_4^{2-}, the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, so 2 K^+ ions would be needed to balance one SO_4^{2-} ion, resulting in a 2:1 ratio, not 1:1.
5. For Cl^-, the chloride ion has a charge of -1, which balances exactly with one K^+ ion, giving a 1:1 ratio and forming a neutral ionic compound.