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Dinitrogen tetroxide

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Identification
Molecular formula
N2O4
CAS number
10544-72-6
IUPAC name
dinitrogen tetroxide
State
State

At room temperature, dinitrogen tetroxide exists as a colorless or pale yellow liquid. It is a very reactive and corrosive compound, predominantly used in liquid rocket propellants.

Melting point (Celsius)
-11.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
261.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
21.15
Boiling point (Kelvin)
294.30
General information
Molecular weight
92.01g/mol
Molar mass
92.0110g/mol
Density
1.4420g/cm3
Appearence

Dinitrogen tetroxide is a colorless or pale yellow liquid or gas, but it appears reddish-brown when it develops trace amounts of the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) due to equilibrium between N2O4 and NO2. As a liquid, it is often used as a storable oxidizer in rocket propellants.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Dinitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4)

Dinitrogen tetroxide, represented by the formula N2O4, exhibits distinctive solubility characteristics that make it an interesting compound in various chemical applications. Understanding its solubility can provide insight into its behavior in different environments.

Key Points on Solubility:

  • Solvent Interactions: N2O4 is predominantly soluble in polar solvents, particularly in water, where it can react to form nitric acid (HNO3) and other nitrogen oxides.
  • Physical State: At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, dinitrogen tetroxide exists as a colorless gas, but it rapidly dimerizes into a liquid form under higher pressures.
  • Temperature Dependency: Its solubility in water is temperature-dependent; as the temperature increases, the solubility tends to decrease due to the thermodynamic properties of the compound.
  • Concentration Variability: The extent of solubility can vary significantly based on the concentration of N2O4 present in the solvent, which can lead to varying reactions and products.

In summary, the solubility of dinitrogen tetroxide is characterized by its affinity for polar solvents and the changes that occur with varying conditions. As noted, "dinitrogen tetroxide demonstrates fascinating solubility behaviors," which are pivotal in understanding its chemical reactivity and applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Dinitrogen Tetroxide

Dinitrogen tetroxide, often abbreviated as N2O4, is a fascinating chemical compound with several key characteristics and applications. Here are some engaging insights:

  • Oxidizer in Rocket Propellants: Dinitrogen tetroxide is widely used as an oxidizer in rocket propulsion systems. Its ability to provide the necessary oxygen for combustion allows it to be combined with fuel for launching spacecraft.
  • Color Change: One of the most notable properties of N2O4 is its color change with temperature. At lower temperatures, it appears as a colorless gas, while at higher temperatures, it can take on a brownish hue due to the formation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
  • Reactivity: Dinitrogen tetroxide is a relatively stable compound but can readily undergo reactions to form nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide, showcasing its reactivity as a nitrogen oxidizer.
  • Environmental Considerations: While dinitrogen tetroxide has practical applications in the aerospace industry, it can also contribute to air pollution as a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions product, which can lead to smog formation and respiratory problems.
  • Historical Significance: The use of dinitrogen tetroxide as a propellant dates back to the early days of rocketry. It has been a crucial component in various space missions, contributing to the development of landmark aerospace technology.

In summary, dinitrogen tetroxide is more than just a simple chemical compound; its role in environmental science, aerospace applications, and its unique properties make it a subject of great interest in the field of chemistry.

Synonyms
Dinitrogen tetroxide
NITROGEN TETROXIDE
Dinitrogen tetraoxide
10544-72-6
Nitrogen oxide (N2O4)
Di-nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide, di-
HSDB 1067
UNII-M9APC3P75A
EINECS 234-126-4
UN1067
bis(dioxidonitrogen)(N--N)
CHEBI:29803
DINITROGEN TETROXIDE [MI]
NITROGEN TETROXIDE [HSDB]
DTXSID00893116
EC 234-126-4
NITROGEN TETROXIDE, (LIQUID)
NITROGEN TETROXIDE, [LIQUID]
NITROGEN PEROXIDE (DINITROGEN TETROXIDE)
NITROGEN PEROXIDE {DINITROGEN TETROXIDE}
Peroxyde d'azote
Tetroxyde d'azote
tetraoxyde de diazote
Nitrogen dioxide, di
Nitrogen peroxide liquid
tetraoxido de dinitrogeno
OXIDES OF NITROGEN
Tetroxyde d'azote (French)
RED OXIDE OF NITROGEN
DTXCID501323062
NITROGEN DIOXIDE/DINITROGEN TETROXIDE MIXTURE
M9APC3P75A
Nitrogen tetraoxide
Nitrogen oxide NO2
RCRA waste no. P078
N2O4
Nitrogen tetroxide 10% by volume
Distickstofftetroxid
O2NNO2
SCHEMBL1926
WFPZPJSADLPSON-UHFFFAOYSA-N
[N(NO2)O2]
Dinitrogen tetroxide [UN1067] [Poison gas]
Q382984