What is the Difference Between Nitrite and Nitrogen Dioxide?

The main difference between nitrite and nitrogen dioxide lies in their chemical structure and charge.

• Nitrite: Nitrite is an anion with the chemical formula NO⁻². It has a molar mass of 46.01 g/mol and an oxidation number of +3 for the nitrogen atom. Nitrite can undergo either oxidation or reduction, making it both an oxidizing and reducing agent. It is formed from the reduction of nitrate.
• Nitrogen Dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide (NO²) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NO². It is a molecule, not an anion, and has an oxidation number of zero. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can undergo reduction as well. Nitrogen dioxide is formed from the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO).

Both nitrite and nitrogen dioxide have one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, but they differ in their electrical charge and structure. In essence, nitrite is a negatively charged anion, while nitrogen dioxide is a neutral molecule with a double bond between the nitrogen and oxygen atoms.

Comparative Table: Nitrite vs Nitrogen Dioxide

Here is a table comparing the differences between nitrite and nitrogen dioxide:

Nitrite (NO–2) is an anion with a molar mass of 46.01 g/mol, and it can act as both a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent. It has a bent molecular geometry and an oxidation state of +3 for nitrogen. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), on the other hand, is a molecule with a planar geometric shape. It has an oxidation state of +4 for nitrogen and is a strong oxidizing agent. Nitrite is primarily used in food preservation, color, and fertilizer production, while nitrogen dioxide is associated with air pollution, smog formation, and the chemical industry.