An anion has a negative electric charge and a cation has a positive electric charge. This is the fundamental distinction, but the chemistry of each type is generally different also: Very few chemical structures, except for single atoms in high vacuum, can be or become both cations and anions.
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An anion is a negatively charged ion that gains electrons, while a cation is a positively charged ion that loses electrons. Anions are formed when atoms gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while cations are formed when atoms lose electrons.
Anion exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their negative charge, while cation exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their positive charge.
Cation exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their positive charge, while anion exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their negative charge.
The cation would be C6H5NH3+ and the anion would be C6H5NH-
The cation of potassium cyanide is potassium (K+) and the anion is cyanide (CN-).
Can an ionic compound ever consist of a cation-cation or anion- anion bond? Explain.