The ion CO32− is known as the carbonate ion.
Carbonate is a polyatomic ion composed of one carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. The overall charge of the ion is negative two, which is indicated by the 2− in its formula. Carbonate plays a significant role in various chemical reactions and is commonly found in nature, especially in geological formations and in biological systems.
In the context of acid-base chemistry, carbonate ions can act as a base, reacting with acids to form carbonic acid, which can further decompose into water and carbon dioxide. This makes the carbonate ion important in processes like buffering in biological systems and in environmental chemistry.