Why is LiCO3 NOT a correct formula for a lithium compound?? Help!

Question

ipwnbunnies · Answer

Simple. When forming ionic compounds, lithium experiences a 1+ ion charge. It wants to lose its lone valence electron.
CO3 is called carbonate, a polyatomic ion with a charge of 2-. That is just something you can memorize if you haven't worked with Lewis structures and stuff.
Since Li has a 1+ charge, and CO3 has a 2- charge, LiCO3 (if it exists) would have a net charge of -1, which is not a compound!
The correct formula of lithium carbonate would be Li2CO3.
2 Li (2+ charge) and CO3 (2- charge) makes a stable compound.

ipwnbunnies · Answer

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