When the atom or molecule of a substance loses its electrical neutrality happens to receive the denomination of ion, the process associated with the gain or loss of the normal supply of electrons that characterizes the atomic structure of a compound is called ionization. The most basic knowledge of ion formation is attributed to the English chemist Humphrey davy (1778-1829) and his disciple, Michel Faraday (1791-1867).
The ions negatively charged are generated by the gain of electrons and are known as anions (because they are attracted to the anode), while those positively charged as a result of the loss of electrons, generally those of the outermost layer, are called cations (since these, contrary to anions, are attracted to the cathode).
In the anions, Each electron in the atom, which is originally neutral, is strongly retained by the positive charge of the nucleus; However, unlike the rest of the other electrons in the atom, in anions the additional electron is not linked to the nucleus by Coulomb forces, it is linked to the polarization of the neutral atom. Due to the addition of electrons, the anions outnumber the corresponding neutral atom.
At room temperature, many ions of the opposite sign bind strongly to each other following a regular and ordered pattern that results in the formation of crystals, like table salt that is sodium chloride. Salts are often easily ionized. When presented dissolved, ions are the basis of important industrial processes such as electrolysis and give foundation to essential elements of the modern world such as batteries and accumulators. Different ions participate in the enzymatic oxidation and reduction processes, so characteristic of countless biochemical reactions that occur in living beings.
The elements that normally have the greatest facility to ionize positively, that is, to lose electrons and thus generate cations are metals Y halogensCertain nonmetals generally form anions, and noble gases such as helium or argon do not form ions. The size of cations is smaller than that of atoms because of the loss of electrons.
In general, ions are chemically more reactive than neutral molecules and can be monatomic or polyatomic, inorganic or organic.
20 examples of ions are listed below, including anions, cations, monatomic and pluriatomic ions.
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
- Nitrates
- Calcium cation
- Manganese cation
- Hypochlorite
- Ammonium
- Ferric cation
- Ferrous cation
- Magnesium cation
- Silicates
- Borates
- Permanganate
- Sulfide
- Orthophosphate
- Metaphosphate
- Carbonates
- Citrate
- Malate
- Acetate
