key term - -ate

Definition

The suffix '-ate' is a common ending used in chemical nomenclature to indicate the presence of a specific functional group or structural feature within a compound. It is particularly important in the context of ionic compounds, where the '-ate' suffix denotes the anion or negatively charged species.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The '-ate' suffix is used to indicate the presence of an oxygen-containing functional group, such as a nitrate (NO$_3^-$), sulfate (SO$_4^{2-}$), or carbonate (CO$_3^{2-}$).
2. The number of oxygen atoms in the '-ate' group is determined by the element to which the oxygen atoms are bonded, as well as the overall charge of the anion.
3. Compounds with the '-ate' suffix are often ionic in nature, with the '-ate' group serving as the anion and a cation balancing the overall charge of the compound.
4. The '-ate' suffix can also be used to indicate the oxidation state of an element, as in the case of perchlorate (ClO$_4^-$) and chlorate (ClO$_3^-$).
5. Understanding the '-ate' suffix is crucial for correctly naming and identifying ionic compounds, as well as predicting their chemical properties and reactivity.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the '-ate' suffix in the context of ionic compound nomenclature.
  • The '-ate' suffix is used in chemical nomenclature to indicate the presence of a specific functional group or structural feature within an ionic compound. In this context, the '-ate' suffix denotes the anion, or negatively charged species, that is attracted to a positively charged cation to form an overall electrically neutral ionic compound. The '-ate' group typically contains oxygen atoms, and the number of oxygen atoms is determined by the element to which they are bonded, as well as the overall charge of the anion.
• Describe how the '-ate' suffix can be used to indicate the oxidation state of an element in a compound.
  • The '-ate' suffix can be used to indicate the oxidation state of an element within a compound. For example, the perchlorate ion (ClO$_4^-$) has a higher oxidation state of chlorine compared to the chlorate ion (ClO$_3^-$). The '-ate' suffix, in this case, provides information about the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central element and the overall charge of the anion, which is directly related to the oxidation state of the element.
• Analyze the importance of understanding the '-ate' suffix for correctly naming and identifying ionic compounds, as well as predicting their chemical properties and reactivity.
  • Understanding the '-ate' suffix is crucial for correctly naming and identifying ionic compounds, as well as predicting their chemical properties and reactivity. The '-ate' suffix provides key information about the composition and structure of the anion in an ionic compound, which is essential for determining the overall charge and chemical behavior of the compound. By recognizing the '-ate' suffix and the associated functional group or oxidation state, chemists can more accurately name and classify ionic compounds, as well as anticipate their potential reactions and interactions with other substances.

Related terms

Cation:

A positively charged ion that is attracted to the negatively charged anion in an ionic compound.

Anion: A negatively charged ion that is attracted to the positively charged cation in an ionic compound.

Ionic Compound: A compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between a cation and an anion, resulting in an overall electrically neutral substance.