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
NO2 has a molecular weight/molar mass ratio of 46.006 g/mol.
Nitrogen dioxide has a density of 1.880 grams per cubic metre of air.
Nitrogen dioxide has a boiling point of 21.15 degrees Celsius.
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)
When nitric acid is being produced, nitrogen dioxide is used as an intermediate step in the process.
This chemical is used in the production of oxidised cellulose compounds.
It is employed as a catalyst.
Sulfuric acid is a chemical compound that is used as an intermediate in the production of sulfuric acid.
The chemical is used as an oxidizer for rocket fuels.
It is employed as a nitrating agent.
Flour is bleached with this solution.
This substance is used as an oxidising agent.
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.