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Nitrate and Nitrite

In this article, we will discuss about, Nitrates and Nitrites, difference between nitrate and nitrite along with a few examples.

Nitrates and Nitrites are both inorganic chemical compounds in which the distinctive element is ‘N’ or Nitrogen, which has an atomic number of 7. Nitrogen is an odourless, reactive diatomic gas found in nature. Nitrogen is likewise a strongly electro-negative element. Nitrates and Nitrites are two different types of nitrogen-containing molecules. Nitrate has one Nitrogen atom and three Oxygen atoms, whereas Nitrite has one Nitrogen atom and two Oxygen atoms.

What exactly is Nitrate?

Nitrate is a two-atom polyatomic ion made up of Nitrogen and Oxygen. The molecular formula NO₃^– represents a chemical structure with one Nitrogen atom and three Oxygen atoms. In inorganic chemistry, the nitrate group is referred to as a functional group. The geometry of the compound is trigonal planar. This shows how the atoms of the chemical are organised in three dimensions. The centre of the Nitrate structure is Nitrogen, which is connected to three identical Oxygen atoms. Only one oxygen atom is doubly connected to the Nitrogen core at any one moment; the other two oxygen atoms are coupled by single bonds. However, because the three oxygen atoms are similar, the structure is thought to be in agreement with the resonance principle in chemistry. As a result, the double bond implies that it can travel between any Oxygen atom and the Nitrogen core. In addition, Nitrates have an oxidation number of +5.

What exactly is Nitrite?

Nitrites is a polyatomic ion made up of N and O atoms with a +3 oxidation number for nitrogen. The chemical formula for the Nitrite group is NO₂^–, which comprises one Nitrogen atom and two Oxygen atoms. The O-N-O bond angle is around 120 degrees. This provides us a sense of how the atoms are organised in three dimensions. Because the oxidation number of nitrogen in Nitrites is lower than that of Nitrates, Nitrite ions can be oxidised to generate Nitrates. Nitrites create nitrous acid when they react with water, which is a weak acid in inorganic chemistry. One Oxygen atom is doubly connected to the Nitrogen core in the Nitrite compound’s chemical structure, whereas the other is singly bonded. However, because the group’s structural connection is governed by the resonance principle, the double bond between the Oxygen atom and the Nitrogen atom is thought to be continually moving; hence, the two Oxygen atoms would have identical status. Nitrites are created by nitrifying bacteria and are commonly used to cure meat in the food business. It also has a crucial biochemical role as a nitric oxide vasodilator.

Difference Between Nitrate and Nitrite

Definition

Nitrate: The nitrate ion (NO₃) is a nitric acid conjugate base. Nitrates are nitric acid salts that are chemical substances.

Nitrite: The nitrite ion (NO₂) is a nitrous acid conjugate base. Nitrites are nitrous acid salts or esters that are chemical substances.

Structure

Nitrate: The nitrate ion is made up of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. In a planar trigonal conformation, the nitrogen atom is in the middle and surrounded by oxygen atoms that are similarly connected.

Nitrite: The nitrite ion is made up of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. The centre is occupied by the nitrogen atom, which is surrounded by equally connected oxygen atoms.

Molar Mass

Nitrate: The nitrate anion has a molar mass of 62 g/mol.

Nitrite: The nitrite anion has a molar mass of 46 g/mol.

Use

Nitrate: Nitrates are used in agriculture (mineral fertilisers), food (colourants and preservatives), paints, medications, plastics, glass, explosives, and other industries.

Nitrite: Nitrites are employed in the manufacturing of meat and fish products.

Hazards

Nitrate: Nitrates in the air can irritate the respiratory system. When ingested, nitrates are not poisonous. Nitrites and nitrosamines, which can arise from nitrates, are harmful to human health.

Nitrite: Nitrites are classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” They can harm the cellular architecture of many organs and systems, disrupt oxygen transport, produce toxic damage to enzyme systems, induce mutagenic, carcinogenic, and other subcellular alterations, and impair immune system function depending on the dosage.

Hazardous concentrations

Nitrate: Humans are allowed a maximum of 5 mg/kg of potassium and sodium nitrate in a 24-hour period. Poisoning starts at 4 g/24h, and the human fatal dosage is 8-15 g/24h.

Nitrite: For a 24-hour period, the maximum permissible dosage of nitrite is 0.2 mg/kg. The human fatal dosage is 0.18-2.5 g/24 h, and poisoning occurs with a dose of 0.5 g/24 h.

Examples

Nitrate: Potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate.

Nitrite: Sodium nitrite, ammonium nitrite.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the IIT JEE Examination Preparation.

Which is the worst of the nitrate and nitrite compounds?

Answer: Nitrites are worse in terms of technical factors. The distinction between nitrite and nitrate is mainly mean...Read full

When nitrites and nitrates enter the environment, what happens?

Answer: When nitrates and nitrates are released into the environment, they interact with the microorganisms in the s...Read full

What are a few examples of nitrates?

Answer: Nitrates example are: Dilatrate-SR, Iso-Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, ...Read full

What are a few examples of nitrites?

Answer: Few examples of nitrites are: nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (N...Read full

What are the effects of nitrites on the human body?

Answer: Changes in haemoglobin, or the molecules that assist transfer oxygen around the body, are caused by nitrites...Read full