What is the formula for the nitrite ion?

The nitrite ion is represented by the formula NO2(-). This ion consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. The negative charge indicates that the ion has one more electron than protons, resulting in an overall charge of -1.

In the nitrite ion, one of the oxygen atoms is typically involved in a double bond with the nitrogen, while the other is single-bonded and carries the negative charge. This structure is important as it influences the ion's properties and reactivity in different chemical contexts, particularly in biological systems and various chemical reactions.

The other provided options represent different ions and do not correspond to nitrite. NO3(-) is the nitrate ion, which contains three oxygen atoms, while CN(-) is the cyanide ion, comprising one carbon and one nitrogen atom. SCN(-) represents the thiocyanate ion, which includes sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen. Understanding the distinct structures and charges of these ions is essential in chemistry to avoid confusion in chemical formulas and reactions.