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A polyatomic ion is an ion consisting of a molecule with covalently bonded atoms or of a metal complex that can be considered as acting as a single unit in the context of acid/base chemistry or in the formation of salts. Note, a polyatomic ion is also referred to in older works as a radical. In current usage the term radical refers to free radicals which are uncharged species with an unpaired electron.
A large polyatomic ion will often be considered as the conjugate acid or conjugate base of a neutral molecule, for example the conjugate acid of adrenaline at the amine group.
Note that many of the common negatively-charged anionic polyatomic ions are conjugate bases of acids derived from the oxides of non-metallic elements. For example the sulfate or SO42- ion is derived from H2SO4 which can be regarded as SO3 + H2O.
Common polyatomic ions
See also
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