Nitrogen and Its Compounds (N₂, oxides, ammonia, nitric acid)
Start with the big picture
Nitrogen gas is abundant in air and unusually unreactive because of its strong triple bond. Its oxides span several oxidation states, with acidity and oxidising power increasing as the oxidation state rises. Ammonia is a pyramidal, strongly basic molecule that forms complexes and serves as a feedstock for fertilisers and nitric acid; the Haber process is its industrial route. The Ostwald process converts ammonia to nitric acid. Nitric acid is a strong acid and oxidiser, and its reactions with metals vary with concentration; some metals become passive in concentrated acid. The topic also covers nitrate salts and their agricultural and industrial uses, giving a connected overview of nitrogen chemistry from elemental nitrogen to important compounds.
What you'll learn
- Describe nitrogen’s atmospheric abundance, inertness, and laboratory and industrial sources.
- Relate nitrogen oxide oxidation states to acidity and oxidising power.
- Explain ammonia’s structure, basicity, preparation, and role in industrial synthesis.
- Summarise nitric acid production, key properties, and reactions with metals.
- Identify important nitrate compounds and their stated applications.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
