Naming Oxoanions/Oxoacids, which ion to base off of?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the naming of KClO and how it should be named Potassium Hypochlorite based on the loss of two oxygen atoms from the most common chlorine ion, ClO3. The question is raised about why it cannot be based off of ClO2, resulting in the name Potassium Chlorite, and how to determine the most common ion. The conversation ends with the question of how many oxyanions there are, making it difficult to determine the most common one.
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Titandwedebil
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For example: If they gave you KClO and asked you to name it...

The answer is Potassium Hypochlorite, because you base it off of the loss of two oxygen atoms from the most common chlorine ion (ClO3). My question is, why can't I base it off of Clorite (ClO2), so that the name of KClO would then be Potassium Chlorite? (without the hyper). How do you know that ClO3 is the one to use and not ClO2?
 
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You are really asking, "How do I know what is the most common ion when they are all strangers to me?"

How many oxyanions are there? Too many to 'get to know'?
 

FAQ: Naming Oxoanions/Oxoacids, which ion to base off of?

What are oxoanions and oxoacids?

Oxoanions and oxoacids are types of chemical compounds that contain oxygen and one or more other elements. Oxoanions are negatively charged ions, while oxoacids are the corresponding acidic forms of these ions.

What is the basis for naming oxoanions and oxoacids?

The naming of these compounds is based on the number of oxygen atoms present and their overall charge. The prefix "oxo-" is used to indicate the presence of oxygen, and the suffix "-ate" is added to the name of the central element for negatively charged oxoanions. For oxoacids, the suffix "-ic" is used for the most common form, while the suffix "-ous" is used for the one with one less oxygen atom.

How do I determine the central element for naming oxoanions and oxoacids?

The central element for naming these compounds is determined by the element with the highest electronegativity (ability to attract electrons) in the compound. This element is usually located in the center of the compound's chemical formula.

What is the difference between oxoanions and oxoacids?

Oxoanions are negatively charged ions, while oxoacids are the corresponding acidic forms of these ions. Oxoanions are formed when an oxygen atom combines with another element, while oxoacids are formed when an oxoanion combines with hydrogen ions (H+).

How do I know which ion to base off of when naming oxoanions and oxoacids?

The ion to base off of for naming oxoanions and oxoacids is determined by the central element in the compound. The central element will determine the overall charge and number of oxygen atoms present, which will then determine the correct prefix and suffix to use in the naming process.

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