| Nitrous Acid |
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Information AboutNitrous Acid |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT NITROUS ACID | |
| nitrites | |
| acids | |
| nitrogen metabolism | |
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Nitrous acid (molecular formula H N O 2) is a weak (pKa~3.15) monobasic Acid known only in Solution and in the form of Nitrite salts. Nitrous acid is used to make Diazides from amines; this occurs by nucleophilic attack of the amine onto the Nitrite , reprotonation by the surrounding solvent, and double elimination of water. The diazide can then be liberated as a Carbene . CHEMICAL STRUCTURE PREPARATION It can be prepared by adding any mineral acid to sodium nitrite. DECOMPOSITION It rapidly decomposes into nitric acid, nitrogen monoxide and water when in solution. ATMOSPHERIC RELEVENCE Nitrous acid is an important atmospheric intermediate. It is produced by the heterogeneous reaction of NO2 and water on various surfaces such as atmospheric aerosols. It is readily photolysed to produce hydroxyl radicals which are intricate in the ozone budget of the troposphere (lower atmosphere). SEE ALSO
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