List of Common Anions

Anions

  • This list details common anions, which are negatively charged ions.

  • Each entry includes the chemical formula and charge of the anion.

List of Anions

  • Ammonium: NH4+NH_4^+

    • A polyatomic cation, included here for reference in contrast to the other anions.

  • Nitrite: NO2−NO_2^-

    • An inorganic anion. Salts of nitrite are used as food preservatives.

  • Nitrate: NO3−NO_3^-

    • An important ion in the nitrogen cycle and a common component of fertilizers.

  • Sulfite: SO32−SO_3^{2-}

    • A sulfur oxoanion. Sulfites are used as preservatives in foods and beverages.

  • Sulfate: SO42−SO_4^{2-}

    • A prevalent anion in the environment, found in many minerals.

  • Hydrogen Sulfate (Bisulfate): HSO4−HSO_4^-

    • An intermediate in the dissociation of sulfuric acid.

  • Hydroxide: OH−OH^-

    • A fundamental anion in acid-base chemistry. It is a characteristic ion of alkaline solutions.

  • Cyanide: CN−CN^-

    • A highly toxic anion that inhibits cellular respiration.

  • Phosphate: PO43−PO_4^{3-}

    • An essential ion for life, involved in ATP, DNA, and RNA.

  • Hydrogen Phosphate: HPO42−HPO_4^{2-}

    • An intermediate in the dissociation of phosphoric acid.

  • Dihydrogen Phosphate: H<em>2PO</em>4−H<em>2PO</em>4^-

    • An intermediate in the dissociation of phosphoric acid.

  • Carbonate: CO32−CO_3^{2-}

    • A common anion in minerals and involved in the carbon cycle.

  • Hydrogen Carbonate (Bicarbonate): HCO3−HCO_3^-

    • An important buffer in blood and other physiological systems.

  • Hypochlorite: ClO−ClO^-

    • The active ingredient in many bleaching agents.

  • Chlorite: ClO2−ClO_2^-

    • A chlorine oxoanion. Sodium chlorite is used in textile bleaching.

  • Chlorate: ClO3−ClO_3^-

    • A strong oxidizing agent.

  • Perchlorate: ClO4−ClO_4^-

    • Used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and in some fireworks.

  • Acetate: C<em>2H</em>3O2−C<em>2H</em>3O_2^-

    • A common anion in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

  • Permanganate: MnO4−MnO_4^-

    • A strong oxidizing agent, commonly used in titrations and disinfectants.

  • Dichromate: Cr<em>2O</em>72−Cr<em>2O</em>7^{2-}

    • A strong oxidizing agent, commonly used in laboratory and industrial applications.

  • Chromate: CrO42−CrO_4^{2-}

    • A toxic anion, with environmental and health concerns related to its use in industrial processes.

  • Peroxide: O22−O_2^{2-}

    • A reactive anion containing an oxygen-oxygen single bond, found in hydrogen peroxide and some metal peroxides.