nitrite

/'naitrait/

Thân thiện

A scientist adds sodium nitrite to a test tube in the laboratory.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound containing the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻): "nitrite" refers to any salt or ester of nitrous acid (HNO₂), characterized by the presence of the nitrite ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.
   • The univalent radical -NO₂: In chemistry, "nitrite" can also refer to the functional group or radical itself.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sodium nitrite is commonly used as a food preservative.
  • The test detected high levels of nitrite in the water sample.
  • Nitrites can be converted into nitrates by bacteria in the soil.

Advanced Usage

• In organic chemistry: The term can describe organic compounds where the nitrite group is attached to a carbon chain, known as alkyl nitrites (e.g., amyl nitrite).
  • Some alkyl nitrites are used in medicine as vasodilators.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitrous acid (HNO₂): The unstable acid from which nitrites are derived.
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): A related ion and compound containing one more oxygen atom than nitrite.
• Nitrosamine: A class of compounds that can form from nitrites under certain conditions, often discussed in health contexts.

Synonyms

• Nitrite salt (when referring specifically to ionic compounds like sodium nitrite).
• Nitrite ester (when referring to organic compounds).

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Nitrite poisoning: A condition, especially in infants, caused by high nitrite levels interfering with blood's oxygen transport.
• Nitrite test: A common chemical test, for example in aquarium water analysis or clinical urinalysis, to detect the presence of nitrite ions.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the radical -NO2 or any compound containing it (such as a salt or ester of nitrous acid)