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What are Cations?
Cations are positively charged ions created by either taking electrons away from or adding a proton to an element, compound, or molecule. The less electronegative an element, compound, or molecule the more likely it is to form a cation. Electronegativity increases with the number of protons in the nucleus and decreases as atomic size increases.
Alkali metals
Alkali metals are a group of elements included in the first column of the periodic table. They all have similar characteristics due to their similar electron configuration. All alkali metals have one valence electron. This makes the elemental metal unstable, thus all members of this group are highly reactive with air and water. Reactivity increases with atomic size. Alkali metals are more commonly found in salts and minerals, where they are ionically paired. In order to create stability, alkali metals lose their valence electron so that they have a more stable valence shell. This creates cations with a charge of 1+. Compounds with alkali metals are highly soluble. The alkali metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium; however, lithium, sodium, and potassium, are more commonly found in compounds as they are more stable than the rest of the alkali metals.
Alkaline earth metals
Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements included in the second column of the periodic table. These elements also have similar characteristics due to their similar electron configuration. All alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons, which are easily lost to create cations with a charge of 2+. Alkaline earth metals are also reactive with air and water, and thus are not found as elemental metals. They are more commonly found in salts and minerals where they are ionically paired. The alkaline earth metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.
Sodium
Sodium (Na) is an element with atomic number 11. It is part of the Alkali metal group. Since it only has an unpaired electron in its s-shell, it is not stable as a pure element. Thus, it will react when introduced to water or air. It is not found naturally due to its reactivity. It is more stable as a cation (Na+), since removing the lone electron results in a full shell of valence electrons. However, cations do not exist on their own outside of plasma or in solution, so sodium is most frequently found in salt compounds or minerals.
A common sodium salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt. This salt is used in many food items as a preservative as well as a flavor enhancer. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is frequently used in soap production. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), also known as baking soda, is also a common ingredient in food items.
Potassium
Potassium (K) is an element with atomic number 19. It is part of the alkali metal group. Because it only has an unpaired electron in its valence s-shell, it is not stable as a pure element. Thus, it will react when introduced to water or air. It is not found naturally as a pure element due to its reactivity. It is more stable as a cation (K+), since removing the lone electron results in a full shell of valence electrons. However, cations do not exist on their own outside of plasma or in solution, so potassium is most frequently found in salt compounds or minerals.
Potassium is frequently found in fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, and is a necessary mineral for cell life. Potassium is also required in soil for plant growth, so potassium chloride (KCl) is frequently found in fertilizers.
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong base and is used frequently in soap manufacturing.
Calcium
Calcium (Ca) is an element with atomic number 20. It is part of the alkaline earth metal group. While the s-orbital is filled with electrons, calcium is still more stable as a cation, so it loses two electrons to form completely filled valence electron orbitals.
Calcium carbonate is the most common calcium compound and is found in limestone and fossils. Calcium compounds are frequently found in food and dietary products as it is an important mineral for cell life.
Magnesium
Magnesium (Mg) is an element with atomic number 12. It is part of the alkaline earth metal group. While the s-orbital is filled with electrons, magnesium is still more stable as a cation, so it loses two electrons in order for it to be at a more stable configuration.
Elemental magnesium is not found in nature due to its reactive nature. However, it is found in magnesium salts as well as in dietary supplements and medicines. Magnesium is frequently used in laxatives and antacids. Good sources of magnesium include green, leafy vegetables and foods containing dietary fiber.
Lithium
Lithium (Li) is an element with atomic number 3. It is part of the alkali metal group. Because it only has an unpaired electron in its valence s-shell, it is not stable as a pure element. Thus, it will react when introduced to water or air. It is not found naturally as a pure element due to its reactivity. It is more stable as a cation (Li+), since removing the lone electron results in a full shell of valence electrons. However, cations do not exist on their own outside of plasma or in solution, so lithium is most frequently found in salt compounds or minerals.
Lithium is commonly used in batteries as well as psychotropic drugs. Lithium compounds are also useful in chemical reactions. Lithium ions can also be found in brines, such as seawater.
Ammonium
Ammonium (NH4+) is a cationic molecular ion formed by adding an additional proton from hydrogen to ammonia. Ammonium can be found in many salts, which are soluble in water. Ammonium chloride is frequently used in fertilizers and is also used as an expectorant in cough medicine. Ammonium nitrate is also used as a fertilizer, but it can also be used to form highly explosive mixtures.
Consumer products that commonly contain cations
- Sodium:
- Soaps
- Shampoos
- Toothpastes
- Deodorants
- Body washes
- Potassium:
- Shampoos
- Hair conditioners
- Soaps
- Body washes
- Face cleansers
- Calcium:
- Toothpastes
- Anti-dandruff shampoos
- Deodorants
- Body lotions
- Facial serums
- Magnesium:
- Deodorants
- Bath salts
- Soaps
- Hair products
- Body lotion
- Lithium:
- Less common in personal care; might be found in:
- Specialized skincare (e.g., for psoriasis)
- Ammonium:
- Hair dyes
- Perm solutions
- Hair relaxers
- Cleansing products
- Shampoos
Instruments used to detect, measure, and analyze cations in consumer products
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ICP-MS
Testing cations with Microchem
Microchem tests personal care products, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements for the strength, identity, and purity of a wide variety of cations. Contact the lab today for a free consultation or quote.
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