Another name for chlorate is chlorate(V).
Chlorate is an oxyanion of chlorine with the chemical formula ClO₃⁻. The systematic name, chlorate(V), uses Roman numerals to indicate the oxidation state of the chlorine atom within the ion, which is +5. This naming convention is part of the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature system, particularly useful when an element can form multiple oxyanions with different oxidation states.
Understanding Chlorine's Oxyanions
Chlorine forms a series of oxyanions, each distinguished by the oxidation state of the chlorine atom. The common names often reflect a historical naming convention, while the stock names (like chlorate(V)) provide a more precise chemical description based on oxidation states.
Here's a breakdown of common chlorine oxyanions, illustrating their common names, stock names, and formulas:
| Common Name | Stock Name | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Hypochlorite | Chlorate(I) | ClO⁻ |
| Chlorite | Chlorate(III) | ClO₂⁻ |
| Chlorate | Chlorate(V) | ClO₃⁻ |
| Perchlorate | Chlorate(VII) | ClO₄⁻ |
As shown, the common name "chlorate" specifically refers to the ion where chlorine has a +5 oxidation state, thereby making "chlorate(V)" its precise systematic alternative name. This distinction is crucial in chemistry to avoid ambiguity when discussing compounds containing these various ions.
