Polyatomic ions from ionic and covalent bonding?

Question

I would like to know if ionic and covalent bonds form polyatomic ions, or is it just an oxygen atom that is needed? thanks

Answer 1

Adam is right. you need covalent bonds within the polyatomic ion or it wouldn't hold together. The ionic bonds are between the ions, not inside them.

Some polyatomic ions, such as I3 - (which is what you actually have when you dissolve iodine in KI solution) don't have any oxygen in them at all.

Answer 2

Polyatomic ions are generally covalently bonded within the ion, then ionically bonded to something else.

Answer 3

a polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that has acquired an electric charge.  most polyatomic ions consist of nonmetals like phosphorus, sulfur, carbon or nitrogen bonded to oxygen atoms.  the oxygen containing polyatomic ions have an ionic charge of -1,-2,or -3 because 1,2, or 3 electrons were added to complete the octets (the outer ring)