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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Chemistry » Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a highly toxic gas with the chemical name Nitrogen dioxide.

Table of Content
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It is also referred to as Nitrogen (IV) oxide or Deutoxide of nitrogen in some circles. It is one of the most significant atmospheric pollutants because it absorbs ultraviolet light and prevents it from reaching the earth’s surface.

Nitrogen (IV) oxide is a yellowish-brown liquid when compressed, and it is a reddish-brown gas when not compressed. When compared to air, its vapours are significantly heavier.

Nitrogen dioxide has the following characteristics

  1. NO2 has a molecular weight/molar mass ratio of 46.006 g/mol.

  2. Nitrogen dioxide has a density of 1.880 grams per cubic metre of air.

  3. Nitrogen dioxide has a boiling point of 21.15 degrees Celsius.

  4. Nitrogen dioxide has a melting point of 9.3 degrees Celsius.

Sources 

Sources of nitrogen dioxide – NO2 –

Over 98 percent of man-made NO emissions are caused by combustion, with the vast bulk of these emissions coming from stationary sources. Oxides of nitrogen produced by combustion are primarily released as nitric oxide, N0, a gas that is relatively harmless on the surface of the earth but that quickly degrades in the atmosphere to form the toxic gas nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide has a negative effect on human respiratory functions and, when exposed for an extended period of time, can lead to an increase in the incidence of respiratory ailments.

Nitrogen dioxide is also a precursor in the formation of nitrate serosols and nitrosamines, both of which are being investigated for their potential health effects. Because of the large amount of nitrogen oxides produced and the potential for widespread adverse effects on public health and welfare, nitrogen oxides are among the air pollutants for which standards and regular controls have been established both by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union.

NO2 Has a Variety of Applications (Nitrogen dioxide)

  1. When nitric acid is being produced, nitrogen dioxide is used as an intermediate step in the process.

  2. This chemical is used in the production of oxidised cellulose compounds.

  3. It is employed as a catalyst.

  4. Sulfuric acid is a chemical compound that is used as an intermediate in the production of sulfuric acid.

  5. The chemical is used as an oxidizer for rocket fuels.

  6. It is employed as a nitrating agent.

  7. Flour is bleached with this solution.

  8. This substance is used as an oxidising agent.

  9. It is used in the production of explosives.

Nitrogen dioxide – NO2 has the following chemical properties:

1. Thermophysical characteristics — Dinitrogen tetroxide gas exists in a state of equilibrium:

N2O4 is formed by converting 2 NO2 to N2O4.

2. As an oxidizer — Because of the fragility of the N–O link, NO2 is an extremely powerful oxidant.

3. Hydrolysis reaction – The hydrolysis reaction results in the formation of nitrous acid and nitric acid.

2 NO2 (N2O4) + H2O → HNO2 + HNO3 is a chemical reaction.

It is a negligibly slow process at low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide.

6. Formation of nitrites – equivalent nitrites are generated by alkyl and metal iodides in the presence of oxygen.

2 CH3I + 2 NO2 → 2 CH3NO2 + I2 = 2 CH3NO2 + I2

The reaction TiI4 + 4 NO2 yields Ti(NO2)4 + 2 I2

Risks to One’s Health

Deut Oxide of nitrogen exposures that are too severe can be deadly. When it comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it generates a burning feeling. It can induce frostbite when it is in liquid form. It has been observed to react with the blood and create methemoglobin as a result of this reaction. When it is heated to decompose, it emits poisonous fumes of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Conclusion 

Therefore it can be concluded, Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating gas that, when present in high concentrations, can induce inflammation of the airways. NO2 has the greatest impact on respiratory conditions that are associated with high levels of airway inflammation. Chronic exposure will reduce lung capacity, raise the likelihood of developing respiratory difficulties, and increase the likelihood of developing allergies. NO2 also leads to the creation of fine particles (PM) and ozone at ground level, both of which have been linked to adverse environmental impacts in recent years.

 
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the purpose of nitrogen dioxide?

Ans. Among other things, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) has been used as a catalyst in some oxidation reactions, as an inhi...Read full

What is the effect of nitrogen dioxide?

Ans. The most significant consequence of breathing in high levels of nitrogen dioxide is an increased risk of develo...Read full

Is it true that nitrogen dioxide contributes to global warming?

Ans. The nitrogen oxides nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are the most toxic and hazardous of the nitrogen oxides. ...Read full

Is nitrogen dioxide a heavier gas than the air we breathe?

Ans. When nitric oxide concentrations are high, it is swiftly oxidised in the atmosphere, resulting in the formation...Read full

What is the raw material for the production of nitrogen dioxide?

Ans. Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating gas that, when present in high concentrations, can induce inflammation of the...Read full

What is the source of the high quantities of nitrogen dioxide?

Ans. Nitrogen dioxide is emitted by automobiles, power plants, commercial and off-road sources such as construction ...Read full

What is the application of nitrogen dioxide in everyday life?

Ans. Among other things, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) has been used as a catalyst in some oxidation reactions, as an anti...Read full

Ans. Among other things, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) has been used as a catalyst in some oxidation reactions, as an inhibitor to prevent the polymerization of acrylates during distillation, as an organic compound-nitrating agent, as an oxidising agent, as a rocket fuel, and as a flour bleaching agent, among other things.

Ans. The most significant consequence of breathing in high levels of nitrogen dioxide is an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases. Nitrogen dioxide causes inflammation of the lining of the lungs and can lower the body’s ability to fight infections of the lungs. Wheezing, coughing, colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis are all possible side effects of smoking.

Ans. The nitrogen oxides nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are the most toxic and hazardous of the nitrogen oxides. In addition to being a greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a contributing factor to global warming.

The most significant sources of nitrogen oxides are as follows:

Volcanoes, rivers, biological collapse, and bolts of lightning are all examples of natural causes. Every year, the activities of humans contribute 24 million tonnes of nitrogen oxides to the environment.

Ans. When nitric oxide concentrations are high, it is swiftly oxidised in the atmosphere, resulting in the formation of nitrogen dioxide. Expositions. The fact that nitrogen dioxide is heavier than air means that exposure to it can cause asphyxiation in poorly ventilated, sealed, or low-lying places. When air is at normal temperature, the gases nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide are present.

Ans. Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating gas that, when present in high concentrations, can induce inflammation of the airways. As nitrogen is produced during the combustion of fuel, it interacts with atoms of oxygen to form nitric oxide, which is harmful to human health (NO). Nitrogen dioxide is produced as a result of the reaction with oxygen (NO2).

Ans. Nitrogen dioxide is emitted by automobiles, power plants, commercial and off-road sources such as construction equipment, lawn mowers, and gardening activities. Both of these channels rely on fossil fuels. People who live or work in close proximity to busy roadways may be subjected to high levels of radiation.

Ans. Among other things, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) has been used as a catalyst in some oxidation reactions, as an antioxidant to prevent polymerization of acrylates during distillation, as an organic compound-nitrating agent, as an oxidising agent, as a rocket fuel, and as a flour bleaching agent, among other things.

 

 

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