Question

Discuss general characteristics of different oxides of nitrogen.

Answer 1

1. Nitrogen forms oxides with oxidation states ranging from +1 to +5.
2. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO) are neutral oxides.
3. Dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃) is an acidic oxide, an anhydride of nitrous acid (HNO₂).
4. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) are acidic oxides; NO₂ is a reddish-brown gas and dimerises to N₂O₄.
5. Dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) is a colourless solid, an acidic anhydride of nitric acid (HNO₃).
6. Oxides show diverse physical states and colours, including gases, solids, and liquids.
7. They exhibit varying chemical behaviour from neutral to acidic depending on oxidation state.