Definition

1. Noun:

   • A chemical compound containing the nitrate group: A nitrate is any compound that contains the NO₃⁻ ion, typically formed as a salt or ester of nitric acid. Nitrates are common in fertilizers, explosives, and food preservation.
   • A salt or ester of nitric acid: This refers to the ionic compound (like potassium nitrate) or organic compound resulting from the reaction of nitric acid with another substance.

2. Verb:

   • To treat with nitric acid: The process of introducing a nitrate group into an organic compound, often to create explosives or other chemicals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ammonium nitrate is a common fertilizer.
  • The presence of nitrates in drinking water can be a health concern.
• Verb:
  • The chemist will nitrate the glycerol to produce nitroglycerin.
  • Nitrating organic compounds requires careful safety procedures.

Advanced Usage

• "Nitrate reduction": A biological or chemical process where nitrate (NO₃⁻) is reduced to nitrite (NO₂⁻) or other nitrogen compounds.
  • Nitrate reduction by bacteria is an important part of the nitrogen cycle.
• As a mass noun: Refers to nitrate as a general substance or ion.
  • The soil test showed a high level of nitrate.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitration (n): The chemical process of introducing a nitro group (-NO₂) into an organic compound. (Note: While related, "nitration" and "nitrate" are distinct terms. Nitration typically produces nitro compounds, while nitrating can produce nitrates).
• Nitric acid (n): The strong acid (HNO₃) from which nitrates are derived.
• Nitrite (n): A related compound containing the NO₂⁻ ion, often an intermediate in nitrate reduction.

Synonyms

• Saltpeter (n): A common name for potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
• Nitro compound (n): A broader class of organic compounds containing nitro groups, related to but distinct from organic nitrates.

Related Phrases

• Nitrate ester: A specific type of organic nitrate where the nitrate group is bonded to an oxygen atom that is part of an organic molecule.
  • Cellulose nitrate is a well-known nitrate ester used in early plastics and films.
• Nitrate pollution: Contamination of water or soil with excessive nitrates, often from agricultural runoff.
  • Nitrate pollution in the river has led to algal blooms.

Noun

1. any compound containing the nitrate group (such as a salt or ester of nitric acid)

Verb

1. treat with nitric acid, so as to change an organic compound into a nitrate
   • nitroglycerin is obtained by nitrating glycerol