nitrous acid

Thân thiện

A chemist carefully prepares a solution of nitrous acid in the laboratory.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unstable inorganic acid known only in solution and as nitrite salts: A weak, reactive acid with the chemical formula HNO₂. It is not stable in pure form and decomposes readily, so it is typically handled and studied in aqueous solution or in the form of its salts (nitrites).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory prepared a dilute solution of nitrous acid for the experiment.
  • Nitrous acid is an important intermediate in the chemistry of nitrogen compounds.

Advanced Usage

• In chemical nomenclature: The term "nitrous acid" specifically refers to HNO₂. Its conjugate base is the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻).
  • The equilibrium between nitrous acid and nitrite ions is pH-dependent.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitrite (n): A salt or ester of nitrous acid, containing the anion NO₂⁻.
  • Sodium nitrite is a common food preservative.

Synonyms

• HNO₂: The chemical formula for nitrous acid.

Notes on Meaning

• This term is highly specific to the field of chemistry. It does not have general idiomatic or figurative meanings. Its primary and only common meaning is the chemical compound described.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an unstable inorganic acid known only in solution and as nitrite salts