Small chemistry question

[-Spector-]

Okay for anyone who knows anything about chemistry, can you please explain this to me?

The molecule HCO3- is called "Bicarbonate"

But that doesn't make sense to me.. If Bi means 2, I don't see 2 of any element in that molecule. There is 3 Oxygen atoms, but that would result in a "tri" prefix not bi.

Can someone explain this to me please?

gracias.

[Demosthenes]

Okay for anyone who knows anything about chemistry, can you please explain this to me?

The molecule HCO3- is called "Bicarbonate"

But that doesn't make sense to me.. If Bi means 2, I don't see 2 of any element in that molecule. There is 3 Oxygen atoms, but that would result in a "tri" prefix not bi.

Can someone explain this to me please?

gracias.

CO3 (2-) is a carbonate ion. It's perfectly acceptable to call HCO3 hydrogen carbonate. This is the preferred name by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Carbonate is a polyatomic anion. This means that carbonate is a negatively charged molecule. Any stoichiometry needs to be done to the entire molecule rather than the constituent atoms. Whenever you add a hydrogen atom to a polyatomic anion, it is acceptable to add the prefix bi- to the name of the ion. In contrast, generally di- is the prefix used to signify 'two' in chemistry.

Hope that helps.

[Demosthenes]

Edited my earlier response...

Might be of more help now.

[-Spector-]

Alright that makes sense then. My major is Chem/Bio so I know most of the down and dirty stuff, but coming across this molecule was bugging the hell out of me.

Thanks!

[slaynish]

hm..

I might post some of my Chem. homework on here.

Once i get some more.

Passed last semester BARELY with a 61.02. got a 58% on the final. :|

its the hardest class i have