Which ion is ClO2-?

Chlorite is the correct identification for the ion ClO2-. It is a polyatomic ion composed of chlorine and oxygen. In terms of its structure, chlorite has one chlorine atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, with a net negative charge of -1. This specific arrangement differentiates it from other chlorine oxoanions.

For instance, chlorate (ClO3-) contains one additional oxygen atom compared to chlorite, resulting in a different charge and chemical properties. Perchlorate (ClO4-) has an even higher oxidation state with four oxygen atoms, giving it unique characteristics and reactivity. Hypochlorite (ClO-) is another related ion with only one oxygen atom, which also leads to a distinct set of properties compared to chlorite.

Understanding these differences in oxygen counts and corresponding charge allows chemists to clearly categorize and predict the behavior of these ions in various chemical reactions.