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Example—Writing Formula for a Binary Ionic Compound Containing Variable Charge Metal, Manganese(IV) Sulfide
- Write the symbol for the cation and its charge.
- Write the symbol for the anion and its charge.
- Charge (without sign) becomes subscript for the other ion.
- Reduce subscripts to smallest whole-number ratio.
- Check that the total charge of the cations cancels the total charge of the anions.
Mn4+
S2-
Mn4+ S2-
Mn2S4
Mn = (1)∙(4+) = +4
S = (2)∙(2-) = -4
MnS2