The exact oxidation state of nitrogen in nitric oxide (NO) is +2.
Understanding Oxidation States
An oxidation state, or oxidation number, represents the hypothetical charge an atom would have if all bonds were purely ionic. It indicates the degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons) of an atom in a chemical compound.
Determining the Oxidation State of Nitrogen in NO
To determine the oxidation state of nitrogen in nitric oxide (NO), we follow common rules for assigning oxidation states:
- Rule for Oxygen: In most compounds, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
- Rule for Neutral Compounds: The sum of the oxidation states of all atoms in a neutral compound must equal zero.
Applying these rules to NO:
- Let 'x' be the oxidation state of nitrogen (N).
- The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2.
- Since NO is a neutral molecule, the sum of their oxidation states is zero:
x (for N) + (-2 for O) = 0
x - 2 = 0
x = +2
Therefore, the oxidation state of nitrogen in NO is +2.
Diverse Oxidation States of Nitrogen in Oxides
Nitrogen is an element that can exhibit a wide range of oxidation states due to its electronic configuration and ability to form various types of bonds. Here are some common oxides of nitrogen and the corresponding oxidation states of the nitrogen atom within them:
| Oxide | Oxidation State of Nitrogen |
|---|---|
| N₂O | +1 |
| NO | +2 |
| N₂O₃ | +3 |
| NO₂ | +4 |
This variety highlights nitrogen's chemical versatility, allowing it to participate in numerous chemical reactions with different roles as an oxidizing or reducing agent.
