Nitrite Formula

Nitrite Formula is NO₂-. It is an inorganic ion with a negative charge. It comprises two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom. Due to its negative charge, this ion is also known as a nitrite ion or nitrite anion. It is exceedingly unstable. Learn all the details related to nitrite such as nitrite formula, its structure and uses in this post prepared by experts of Extramarks.

What are Nitrites?

Nitrites are produced when nitrous acid is deprotonated. Nitrites are a white liquid or crystalline solid and has a symmetrical structure. They are commonly connected with metal in a variety of ways. Furthermore, it is a part of numerous salts, including sodium and potassium nitrate. Nitrites are primarily found in vegetables and cured meat, while they can also be found in minor amounts in fish and dairy products. The concentration of nitrite in drinking water is less than 0.1 mg/l.

Nitrite levels can be used to measure nitric oxide (NO) generation and, consequently, inflammation because NO is a metabolic by-product of nitrite, which is elevated during inflammation.

Nitrite Chemical Formula

NO₂- is the Nitrite Formula. It consists of one nitrogen atom (N) and two oxygen atoms (O), with a single negative charge on the entire ion.

Nitrite Structural Formula

The nitrite ion (NO₂−) has a angular molecular structure. It is made up of one nitrogen (N) linked to two oxygen atoms (O). Nitrogen atoms form double bonds with one oxygen atom (N=O) and single bonds with the other (N−O).

In this structure, the double and single bonds are represented as lines, indicating the sharing of electron pairs between the atoms. The nitrogen atom has a formal charge of +1, and each oxygen atom has a formal charge of -1, giving the nitrite ion an overall charge of -1.

Properties of Nitrite

• Nitrogen atom forms a double bond with one oxygen atom (N=O) and a single bond with the other oxygen atom (N−O).
• Nitrite carries a single negative charge (−1) due to the presence of one extra electron.
• Nitrite is amphoteric, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base.
• Nitrite salts, such as sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) and potassium nitrite (KNO₂), are generally soluble in water.
• Nitrite can be oxidized to nitrate (NO3−) or reduced to nitrogen gas (N2 ) or ammonia NH3) depending on reaction conditions.

Uses of Nitrite

• Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) is a frequent preservative in processed meats including bacon, ham, and sausage.
• Nitrite compounds are employed in a variety of chemical synthesis reactions to create organic molecules, medicines, and industrial chemicals.
• Nitrite is used in biological wastewater treatment techniques as an intermediary in the nitrogen cycle.
• Nitrite therapy is being researched for its possible therapeutic benefits in situations such ischemia-reperfusion damage, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Nitrite compounds are employed in environmental monitoring programs to identify and quantify nitrogen-containing contaminants in air, water, and soil samples.
• Nitrite-containing compounds are occasionally employed as corrosion inhibitors in metalworking fluids and industrial operations.

Solved Examples

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