What is nitrite?
Q: What is nitrite?
A: Nitrite is an ion with a chemical formula of NO2–.
Q: What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in nitrites?
A: Nitrogen in nitrites is in a +3 oxidation state.
Q: What are the properties of most nitrites?
A: Most nitrites are colorless crystalline compounds and are strong oxidizing agents.
Q: What is sodium nitrite?
A: Sodium nitrite is a common nitrite.
Q: What is the role of nitrites as reducing agents?
A: Nitrites are weak reducing agents that can be oxidized to nitrates (NO3–).
Q: How do nitrites act as oxidizing agents?
A: Nitrites act as oxidizing agents by accepting electrons from other molecules or atoms.
Q: What is the difference between nitrites and nitrates?
A: Nitrites have one less oxygen atom than nitrates and contain nitrogen in a +3 oxidation state, while nitrates have nitrogen in a +5 oxidation state. Nitrites are also stronger oxidizing agents than nitrates.
