What is the difference between nitrogen dioxide and nitrite

This compound has two covalent chemical bonds with equal bond lengths. Moreover, this anion is a symmetric ion. Therefore, it can undergo either oxidation or reduction. As a result, it can act as both a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent. The molar mass of this anion is Upon protonation, this anion forms nitrous acid which is an unstable weak acid.

This anion can also form salts and coordination complexes. Moreover, there are organic nitrites that consist of esters of nitrous acid. Nitrogen dioxide is an inorganic compound having the chemical formula NO2. Moreover, it is a neutral compound with a zero electrical charge. The molar mass of this compound is It occurs as a gas that appears in an orange color. However, it has a pungent odor like in chlorine gas. Moreover, this compound is paramagnetic. The bond lengths between nitrogen atom and oxygen atoms are equal; the bond length of each bond is It is a strong oxidizing agent.

It can undergo a reduction as well. It is an anion. It can form salts, cordination complexes or occurs in minerals. NO 2 primarily gets in the air from the burning of fuel. NO 2 forms from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment. Breathing air with a high concentration of NO 2 can irritate airways in the human respiratory system.

Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing , hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms. Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO 2 may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. People with asthma, as well as children and the elderly are generally at greater risk for the health effects of NO 2.

NO 2 along with other NO x reacts with other chemicals in the air to form both particulate matter and ozone. Both of these are also harmful when inhaled due to effects on the respiratory system. Skip to main content. Nitrogen Dioxide NO2 Pollution. Contact Us. Basic Information about NO2. NO 2 and other NO x interact with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acid rain.