Polyatomic Ions: Formation & Reactions

[seashells]

Hello all,
I was reading about polyatomic ions for chem class, but in my textbook there was no description of how polyatomic ions are formed- it just states that they are a charged molecule. Are there any specific reactions that take place when a polyatomic ion is formed? For example, what reaction would produce acetate (CH3OO)?

 

[chemisttree]

Hello all,
I was reading about polyatomic ions for chem class, but in my textbook there was no description of how polyatomic ions are formed- it just states that they are a charged molecule. Are there any specific reactions that take place when a polyatomic ion is formed? For example, what reaction would produce acetate (CH3OO)?

The specific reactions are specific for the polyatomic ion in question. It is also possible that there is more than one pathway to go. Acetate can be produced by from ethanol or acetaldehyde by oxidation or by addition of carbon monoxide to methanol, for example.