Dications
A dication is a positively charged ion with a +2 charge, also called a divalent cation. It forms when an atom loses two electrons, or when a neutral molecule becomes charged by removing two electrons. In formula notation, it is written as M2+.
Common dications include alkaline earth metal ions such as Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+, as well as
Dications are central to salts and coordination chemistry. They pair with various counterions to form ionic
See also: monocation, polycation, oxidation state, coordination chemistry.