What Is Dinitrogen Pentoxide?
Dinitrogen pentoxide, also known as nitrogen pentoxide, is the anhydride of nitric acid. Its chemical formula is N2O5, and it has a molecular weight of 108.01.
This compound is produced by dehydrating concentrated nitric acid with phosphorus pentoxide at low temperatures, or by oxidizing NO2 with ozone.
Dinitrogen pentoxide’s solid state consists of colorless, deliquescent crystals with a melting point of 86 °F (30 ºC). It decomposes at 116.6 °F (47 ºC) into nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
With strong oxidizing properties, dinitrogen pentoxide reacts with organic compounds and ammonium salts, forming explosive mixtures.
Uses of Dinitrogen Pentoxide
As a powerful oxidizing agent, dinitrogen pentoxide has various applications. It is being explored for use in sterilization, medical treatments, pharmaceutical synthesis, and materials synthesis.
This compound is also employed as a nitration reagent for substances such as benzene, cellulose, and glycerin. Notably, it is used in the nitration of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, with chloroform often serving as the solvent in these reactions.