Title: Nitrous Acid
CAS Registry Number: 7782-77-6
Molecular Formula: HNO2
Molecular Weight: 47.01
Percent Composition: H 2.14%, N 29.80%, O 68.07%
Literature References: Formed by the action of strong acids on inorganic nitrites. Review: Block, "Nitrous Acid, Hyponitrous Acid and their Salts" in Mellor's Vol. VIII, supplement II, Nitrogen (part 2) 353-408 (1967).
Properties: Known only in soln (pale blue in color). Weak acid. pK (25°) 3.35. In water it changes quickly into nitric oxide and nitric acid. Forms stable, water-sol nitrites with Li, Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ag. Does not form salts with weak polyvalent cations like Al or Be. Forms stable esters with alcohols.
pKa: pK (25°) 3.35 |