Common polyatomic ions

Polyatomic Ions Chart

Use this table to find the formula and charge of common polyatomic ions used in ionic compounds.

IonFormulaChargeExamples
ammoniumNH4+1NH4Cl, (NH4)2SO4
hydroxideOH-1NaOH, Ca(OH)2
nitrateNO3-1NaNO3, Ca(NO3)2
nitriteNO2-1NaNO2
sulfateSO4-2Na2SO4, Fe2(SO4)3
sulfiteSO3-2Na2SO3
carbonateCO3-2CaCO3, Na2CO3
bicarbonateHCO3-1NaHCO3
phosphatePO4-3Na3PO4, Ca3(PO4)2
acetateC2H3O2-1NaC2H3O2
chlorateClO3-1KClO3
perchlorateClO4-1NaClO4
cyanideCN-1NaCN
permanganateMnO4-1KMnO4
chromateCrO4-2K2CrO4
dichromateCr2O7-2K2Cr2O7