The degree of oxidation of nitrogen - we learn to understand

Nitrogen is almost the most abundant chemical element in the entire Solar System. To be more specific, nitrogen occupies the 4th place in terms of prevalence. Nitrogen in nature is an inert gas.

This gas has no color or smell, it is very difficult to dissolve in water. However, salt-nitrates have the property of very good reaction with water. Nitrogen has a low density.

Nitrogen is an amazing element. There is an assumption that he received his name from the ancient Greek language, which in translation from him means "lifeless, spoiled." Why such a negative attitude to nitrogen? After all, we know that it is a part of proteins, and breathing without it is almost impossible. Nitrogen plays an important role in nature. But in the atmosphere this gas is inert. If you take it as it is in its original form, then there are many side effects. The victim may even die from suffocation. Nitrogen is called lifeless because it does not support combustion or breathing.

Under normal conditions, such a gas reacts only with lithium, forming a compound such as lithium nitride Li3N. As we see, the degree of oxidation of nitrogen in such a compound is -3. With the rest metals and substances, nitrogen, of course, also reacts, but only with heating or using different catalysts. By the way, -3 is the lowest degree of nitrogen oxidation, since only 3 electrons are needed to completely fill the external energy level.

This indicator has a variety of meanings. Each degree of nitrogen oxidation has its own connection. It is better to remember such connections.

So, the degree of oxidation -3 can be in nitrides. The degree of oxidation of nitrogen in ammonia is also -3, no matter how it may sound paradoxical. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a very sharp odor. Remember ammonia spirit. It also includes ammonia NH3. They even produce medicines with ammonia content. Basically they are shown at fainting, dizziness, strong alcohol intoxication. A sharp smell quickly leads to feelings in the victim. Of course, he is ready to do anything, just to remove this "stink" from him.

Such nitric oxidation states as -1 and -2 are rare. The first occurs in so-called pernitrides, among which N2H2 is particularly noteworthy. The last degree of oxidation is found in the compound NH2OH. Such a complex substance is a very weak unstable base. It is used mainly in organic synthesis.

Let's move on to the higher degrees of oxidation of nitrogen, which is also very much even. The degree of oxidation of nitrogen +1 occurs in such a compound as a gassing gas (N2O). With a small amount of such gas, practically no side effects are observed. It is often used in small doses for anesthesia. However, if the inhalation time of this gas is long enough, death from suffocation is possible.

The degree of oxidation of +2 is found in NO. The degree of oxidation of +3 is in oxide N2O3. The degree of oxidation of +4 is in oxide NO2. This gas has a reddish-brown tinge and a pungent odor. Is an acid oxide.

+5 - the highest degree of oxidation in nitrogen. It occurs in nitric acid and in all nitrate salts.