Question

The oxides of nitrogen are very important components in urban air pollution. Name each of the following compounds: (a) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\), (b) \(\mathrm{NO}\), (c) \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\), (d) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\), (e) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\).

Short answer

(a) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) is called Nitrous oxide. (b) \(\mathrm{NO}\) is called Nitric oxide. (c) \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\) is called Nitrogen dioxide. (d) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) is called Dinitrogen pentoxide. (e) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) is called Dinitrogen tetroxide.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Naming \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

N₂O is called Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, and it has the prefix dinitrogen to represent the presence of two nitrogen atoms and the prefix monoxide for one oxygen atom.

(b) Naming \(\mathrm{NO}\)

NO is called Nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. As both elements are present in their singular form, we use the name Nitric oxide.

(c) Naming \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\)

NO₂ is called Nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide consists of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, hence we use the prefix di to represent the presence of two oxygen atoms.

(d) Naming \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)

N₂O₅ is called Dinitrogen pentoxide. Dinitrogen pentoxide has two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms. We use the prefixes di and penta to represent the presence of two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms, respectively.

(e) Naming \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\)

N₂O₄ is called Dinitrogen tetroxide. Dinitrogen tetroxide consists of two nitrogen atoms and four oxygen atoms, and we use the prefix di for two nitrogen atoms and tetra for four oxygen atoms. Therefore, the compound is named Dinitrogen tetroxide.

Key concepts

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, with the chemical formula c , is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a sweetish odor that is widely recognized for its use as a dental and medical anesthetic, commonly referred to as 'laughing gas'. Beyond its anesthetic properties, it is also used as a propellant in food aerosol containers as it inhibits bacterial growth. One interesting characteristic of nitrous oxide is its role as a greenhouse gas, which contributes to the warming of our atmosphere. This makes it a subject of environmental studies, especially in the context of climate change.

When naming this compound, the 'nitrous' indicates a lower level of oxidation for nitrogen, and 'oxide' refers to the presence of oxygen. The 'di' prefix comes from the Latin for 'two', highlighting the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule.

Nitric oxide

Nitric oxide, represented by the chemical formula (NO), is a colorless gas that plays a vital role in various physiological processes. It also serves as an important signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, helping to regulate blood pressure and enhance blood flow. In the atmosphere, nitric oxide contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain as it can react with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.

The process of naming this compound is straightforward as it contains one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen, leading to the simple name of 'nitric oxide'. The name reflects the slighter higher oxidation level of nitrogen as compared to 'nitrous oxide'.

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide ((NO₂)) is a reddish-brown gas notorious for its role in air pollution. It is a significant irritant to the respiratory system and is linked to various health problems, such as asthma and decreased lung function. Nitrogen dioxide is mainly produced from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants, and it's a precursor to other nitrogen compounds that can be harmful to the environment.

The naming of this compound involves the use of 'di', which denotes the two oxygen atoms, and the oxide part indicating the presence of oxygen. So the name 'nitrogen dioxide' is apt for a molecule with one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.

Dinitrogen pentoxide

Dinitrogen pentoxide, given by the chemical formula (N₂O₅), is a colorless crystalline compound that is used as a powerful oxidizing agent. It's typically involved in the production of explosives. Additionally, it acts as a significant source of nitrate radicals in the atmosphere, which play a part in atmospheric chemistry and the processing of pollutants.

The name 'dinitrogen pentoxide' describes its composition accurately; 'di' stands for the two nitrogen atoms, and 'penta' refers to the five oxygen atoms. This structured naming approach is in line with the IUPAC rules for naming chemical compounds, allowing a systematic understanding of the chemical composition.

Dinitrogen tetroxide

Dinitrogen tetroxide ((N₂O₄)) manifests as a colorless to reddish-brown gas at room temperature and is used extensively in the aerospace industry as an oxidizer in rocket propellants. This compound showcases fascinating chemistry as it exists in chemical equilibrium with nitrogen dioxide. This means that, at certain temperatures, it can break down into two molecules of nitrogen dioxide, which then can recombine to form dinitrogen tetroxide.

When it comes to naming, 'dinitrogen' signifies the presence of two nitrogen atoms, and 'tetroxide' specifies the four oxygen atoms. The prefix 'tetra' is derived from Greek and conveys the number four, making it an essential part of the compound's name, helping to distinguish it from other nitrogen oxides.