Why is it that in pictures of sodium benzoate, the na ion isn't attached to the compound? heres an example:

http://www.drugfuture.com/Pharmacopoeia/USP32/pub/data/images/v32270/cas-532-32-1.gif

Does it have an ionic bond with the oxygen? How could it if it sodium has a charge of +1 while oxygen has a charge of -2?

Question

Why is it that in pictures of sodium benzoate, the na ion isn't attached to the compound? heres an example: 

http://www.drugfuture.com/Pharmacopoeia/USP32/pub/data/images/v32270/cas-532-32-1.gif

Does it have an ionic bond with the oxygen? How could it if it sodium has a charge of +1 while oxygen has a charge of -2?

taramgrant0543664 · Answer

The oxygen already has a bond formed with the carbon so it actually only has a charge of -1. There is an ionic bond between the Na and O

anonymous · Answer

Ohhh that makes sense, thanks :) Btw how do you give metals on here? I tried to give them to people last time I asked a question but when I clicked on the metal button nothing happened :/

taramgrant0543664 · Answer

You just have to hit best response to give a metal out

anonymous · Answer

oh haha i did it :D thanks