Predict whether each of the following compounds is molecular or ionic. g. CoCO₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the compound CoCO₃. The compound consists of cobalt (Co), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).
2. Determine the type of elements involved: Cobalt (Co) is a metal, while carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are nonmetals.
3. Recall that ionic compounds typically form between metals and nonmetals, where electrons are transferred from the metal to the nonmetal.
4. Recognize that CoCO₃ is composed of a metal (Co) and a polyatomic ion (CO₃^2-), which is a group of nonmetals.
5. Conclude that CoCO₃ is an ionic compound because it consists of a metal cation (Co²⁺) and a polyatomic anion (CO₃^2-).

Key Concepts

Ionic vs. Molecular Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, typically involving a metal and a non-metal. In contrast, molecular compounds consist of molecules formed by covalent bonds between non-metals, sharing electrons. Understanding the difference is crucial for predicting the nature of a compound.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are charged entities composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded, which can act as a single unit in chemical reactions. For example, in CoCO₃, the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) is a polyatomic ion that indicates the compound's ionic nature when combined with cobalt (Co). Recognizing these ions helps in classifying compounds.

Metallic Character and Oxidation States

The metallic character of an element influences its ability to form ionic compounds. Cobalt (Co) can exhibit multiple oxidation states, which affects its bonding behavior. Understanding oxidation states is essential for predicting whether a compound will be ionic or molecular, especially when dealing with transition metals.