18.7 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Nitrogen
3 min read•june 25, 2024
, the most abundant element in Earth's atmosphere, plays a crucial role in organic compounds and . Its unique properties, like forming strong triple covalent bonds, make it relatively inert but essential for life.
converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for plants and animals. This process occurs naturally through bacteria and industrially through the , supporting agriculture and enabling the production of various chemicals.
Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Nitrogen
Occurrence and properties of nitrogen
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- Most abundant element in Earth's atmosphere makes up 78% by volume
- Found in many organic compounds plays a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids ( and )
- Diatomic molecule () held together by a strong triple covalent bond makes it relatively inert and unreactive
- Colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature and pressure
- Low solubility in water only about 20 mg/L at 20°C
- Liquefies at -196°C and freezes at -210°C requires extremely low temperatures to change states
- Forms , which are common in
Nitrogen fixation processes
- Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen () into compounds usable by plants and animals (, )
- Biological
- Carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria () in root nodules of (soybeans, alfalfa)
- Bacteria convert into ammonia () using the enzyme
- Industrial nitrogen fixation (Haber-Bosch process)
- Reaction of and at high temperature (400-500°C) and pressure (200-300 atm) with an iron catalyst
- Produces ammonia according to the equation
- Essential for the production of fertilizers supports agricultural productivity by providing nitrogen for plant growth
- Crucial for the synthesis of many industrial chemicals (, ) enables the production of a wide range of products
- Plays a key role in the nitrogen
Nitrogen oxides vs oxyacids
- Nitrogen oxides
- (): linear molecule used as an anesthetic (laughing gas) and whipping agent
- (): odd-electron species plays a role in biological signaling (vasodilation)
- (): bent molecule reddish-brown gas, toxic air pollutant
- Oxyacids of nitrogen
- (): weak acid forms nitrite salts
- Decomposes to form nitric oxide and water according to the equation
- Nitric acid (): strong acid forms nitrate salts
- Produced by the oxidation of ammonia in the
- Powerful oxidizing agent reacts with metals to form hydrogen gas and nitrate salts
- (): weak acid forms nitrite salts
- Reactions of nitrogen oxides and oxyacids
- Nitrogen dioxide dimerizes to form according to the equilibrium
- Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide according to the equation
- Nitrous acid reduces nitrate to nitric oxide according to the equation
Bonding and molecular structure of nitrogen compounds
- Nitrogen forms covalent bonds with other elements, sharing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration
- The in molecular nitrogen () is one of the strongest chemical bonds, requiring significant energy to break
- Nitrogen's ability to form multiple covalent bonds is crucial in , allowing for the creation of compounds like ammonium nitrate
Key Terms to Review (37)
Ammonia: Ammonia is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas that is an important compound in various chemical reactions and processes. It is composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, with the chemical formula NH3. Ammonia is a key player in several topics covered in this chemistry course, including the classification of chemical reactions, the structure of atoms, catalysis, buffer solutions, and the properties and reactions of nonmetals and nitrogen.
Atmospheric Chemistry: Atmospheric chemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere and the processes that govern the formation, transformation, and destruction of atmospheric constituents. It is a critical field that helps us understand the complex interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, and how these interactions impact the overall health and sustainability of our planet.
Biogeochemical cycle: A biogeochemical cycle is the natural process through which essential elements, compounds, and nutrients circulate through the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. These cycles are crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and involve biological, geological, and chemical processes that help recycle materials essential for life. In the context of nitrogen, understanding these cycles is vital for comprehending how nitrogen is made available to living organisms, its various forms, and its role in supporting life on Earth.
Covalent Bonding: Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms. This type of bond is responsible for the formation of many stable molecules and is a fundamental concept in understanding the structure and properties of various substances, including those covered in the topics of 8.3 Multiple Bonds, 18.1 Periodicity, 18.3 Structure and General Properties of the Metalloids, 18.5 Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Hydrogen, and 18.7 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Nitrogen.
Cryogenics: Cryogenics is the study of the production and behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C or -238°F. It encompasses the scientific principles and techniques involved in the liquefaction, storage, and handling of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and the noble gases, which become liquids at these ultra-low temperatures.
Diatomic Molecules: Diatomic molecules are chemical compounds composed of two atoms of the same element, bonded together to form a stable structure. These molecules are commonly found among the nonmetal elements and play a crucial role in understanding the properties and behaviors of various substances.
Dinitrogen Tetroxide: Dinitrogen tetroxide, also known as nitrogen dioxide, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula N2O4. It is a reddish-brown gas that is a powerful oxidizing agent and plays a crucial role in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen.
DNA: DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It is the fundamental building block of the genetic code, containing the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive, and reproduce.
Fertilizer Production: Fertilizer production is the process of manufacturing chemical compounds that are added to soil to enhance plant growth and crop yields. It is a crucial aspect of the nitrogen cycle, as it involves the extraction, processing, and distribution of nitrogen-containing compounds to support agricultural productivity.
Haber-Bosch Process: The Haber-Bosch process is a critically important industrial chemical process that converts atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia. This synthetic process has revolutionized the production of fertilizers and is a cornerstone of modern agriculture and chemical manufacturing.
HNO2: HNO2, also known as nitrous acid, is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen. It is a weak acid that is formed when nitrogen dioxide (NO2) dissolves in water.
HNO3: HNO3, also known as nitric acid, is a highly corrosive and oxidizing chemical compound that is a key component in the study of nitrogen and oxygen chemistry. It is a colorless, fuming liquid that is widely used in various industrial and laboratory applications.
Homonuclear diatomic molecules: Homonuclear diatomic molecules are molecules composed of two identical atoms bonded together. Examples include $\text{H}_2$, $\text{O}_2$, and $\text{N}_2$.
Legumes: Legumes are a type of edible plant that belong to the Fabaceae family. They are characterized by their pods containing seeds, and they play a crucial role in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen.
N2: N2, or dinitrogen, is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up approximately 78% of the air we breathe. It is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas that is essential for various chemical processes and the survival of many living organisms.
N2O: N2O, also known as nitrous oxide, is a colorless, odorless gas that is commonly used as an anesthetic and in the production of various chemicals. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen, as discussed in Section 18.7 of the chemistry curriculum.
N2O4: N2O4, also known as dinitrogen tetroxide, is an inorganic compound composed of two nitrogen atoms and four oxygen atoms. It is a key term in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen, as described in Section 18.7 of the chemistry curriculum.
NH3: NH3, also known as ammonia, is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas that is composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. This simple inorganic compound is an important chemical in various contexts, including molecular structure, acid-base chemistry, and the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrates: Nitrates are a class of chemical compounds containing the nitrate ion (NO3-), which is composed of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. Nitrates are essential in various chemical reactions and play a crucial role in the context of classifying chemical reactions as well as the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen.
Nitric Acid: Nitric acid is a highly corrosive and oxidizing inorganic compound with the chemical formula HNO3. It is a colorless to yellowish liquid that is commonly used in various industrial and chemical processes.
Nitric Oxide: Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless gas that acts as a signaling molecule in the body, playing crucial roles in various physiological processes. It is an important compound in the context of the topics related to the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen.
Nitrogen: Nitrogen is a chemical element with the atomic number 7 and the symbol N. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen is an essential element for life, playing crucial roles in various chemical and biological processes.
Nitrogen Dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas that is one of the most important oxides of nitrogen. It is a key component in the study of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen, as it plays a significant role in various chemical processes and environmental phenomena.
Nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the process by which molecular nitrogen ($N_2$) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia ($NH_3$) or related nitrogenous compounds in soil. This process is essential for making nitrogen available to living organisms.
Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or other nitrogen compounds that can be readily assimilated by living organisms. This process is essential for the nitrogen cycle and the availability of nitrogen for biological processes.
Nitrogenase: Nitrogenase is an enzyme complex found in certain bacteria and archaea that is responsible for the biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into ammonia which can then be utilized by living organisms as a source of nitrogen for essential biomolecules.
Nitrous Acid: Nitrous acid is a weak, unstable acid with the chemical formula HNO2. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen, as it is involved in various nitrogen-related processes and reactions.
Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that has a variety of applications, including as an anesthetic and oxidizing agent. It is an important compound in the context of the occurrence, preparation, and properties of nitrogen.
NO: NO, or nitric oxide, is a colorless, odorless gas that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body. It is a highly reactive and short-lived molecule that acts as a signaling compound, regulating important functions such as vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune response.
NO2: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas that is one of the primary air pollutants. It is a key component in the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain, and can have significant impacts on human health and the environment.
Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic polymer material that is known for its durability, strength, and versatility. It is a key component in the study of nitrogen occurrence, preparation, and properties as outlined in section 18.7 of the course material.
Ostwald Process: The Ostwald process is a method used for the industrial production of nitric acid from ammonia. It involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia to form nitrogen oxides, which are then further oxidized and absorbed in water to produce nitric acid.
Proteins: Proteins are large, complex biomolecules composed of amino acids arranged in a specific sequence. They are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs, playing a crucial role in 18.7 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Nitrogen.
Rhizobium: Rhizobium is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of leguminous plants, such as soybeans, alfalfa, and clover. This relationship is crucial for the nitrogen fixation process, which allows these plants to obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that can be utilized for growth and development.
RNA: RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that plays a central role in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. It is a key molecule involved in various cellular processes, including the transmission of genetic information and the synthesis of proteins.
Triple bond: A triple bond is a type of chemical bond where three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms. It is typically found in molecules like nitrogen (N₂) and acetylene (C₂H₂).
Triple Bond: A triple bond is a covalent bond in which three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms, resulting in a very strong and stable chemical connection. This type of bond is found in various chemical structures and plays a crucial role in understanding valence bond theory, multiple bonds, and the properties of nitrogen.