What is Nitrite (NO–2)?
NO–2 is symmetric anion with chemical name Nitrite. It is also called Nitrite anion or Nitrite Ion.
Nitrite is composed of 1 Nitrogen and 2 Oxygen atoms. Their flow of circulation is as follows – from the digestive system, into the blood, into the saliva and back to the digestive system. Therefore this is called entero-salivary circulation. It appears as a colorless liquid of crystalline solid. When in contact it can cause irritation to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes.
Nitrite are usually produced by the absorption of nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide in an alkaline solution. Ancient times nitrate was prepared by fusing sodium nitrate with lead. Later the resultant sodium nitrite and the resulting sodium nitrate were dissolved in water. Using filtration technique it was separated from its by-product lead oxide.
Properties of Nitrite – NO–2
| NO–2 | Nitrite |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 46.005 g/mol |
| Conjugate acid | Nitrous acid |
| Structure | symmetrical structure |
| Bond angle | 115° |
Nitrite Structure (NO–2 Structure)
Nitrite Structure – NO2
Nitrite (NO–2 ) Uses
- It prevents bacterial growth and hence used for curing of meat.
- Medically it is used as a vasodilator to relieve the cardiac pain.
- It is added to processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and sausages.
- It functions as antimicrobial in the digestive system to help kill the pathogenic bacteri as such as Salmonella.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nitrite used for?
In food processing and biochemistry, nitrite. Sodium nitrite is used to treat foods, as it inhibits bacterial growth and explicitly inhibits botulism. Nitrite inhibits the germination of endospores of C.
Why nitrite is toxic?
Bacteria in our saliva, stomach, and intestines convert nitrates into nitrites and it is primarily the nitrites that cause toxicity. The iron component of red blood cells (hemoglobin) is oxidized by nitrites making them unable to carry oxygen.
What is the difference between nitrate and nitrite?
The distinction between the two chemicals is that they contain oxygen. Nitrates are composed of 3 oxygen atoms with a chemical NO3 formula, whereas Nitrites have 2 oxygen atoms that make up a chemical NO2 formula. Nitrites are converted and made into healthy chemical Nitric Oxide.
What is the ion of nitrite?
Nitrite is an ion consisting of an atom of nitrogen bound up with two oxygen atoms. The nitrite is actually known as an anion. An ion is a positively or negatively charged molecule, and an anion is a type of ion bearing a negative charge. Nitrite’s molecular Weight is 46.01g / mol.
What does nitrite smell like?
Amyl nitrite is an extremely flammable, highly volatile, clear or yellow-colored oil that is commonly inhaled from a small glass bottle. It typically has a distinct smell that resembles dirty socks.
Other related links:
| Nitrogen | Oxygen |
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