Difference between Nitrate and Nitrite: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Nitrogen is one of the most prevalent elements in living organisms apart from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is present in amino acids, proteins, hormones, chlorophylls, and various vitamins. The nitrogen present in the atmosphere undergoes a biogeochemical cycle known as the nitrogen cycle to convert into multiple chemical forms.

Nitrates and nitrites are inorganic compounds found in the nitrogen cycle. They are most commonly detected in groundwater, soils, vegetables, and meat products. They also naturally occur in volcanic and igneous rocks.

Nitrate is more stable than nitrite, and hence, bacteria present in soils often convert nitrite into nitrate. However, when there is a lack of oxygen, other bacterias convert the nitrate into nitrite.

The terms nitrates and nitrites are often used interchangeably due to their similar names and spellings. However, they are two completely different compounds with different shapes, structures, and functions. The most prevalent out of all the distinguishing factors between the two compounds is their respective structures.

The nitrate ion is a conjugate base of nitric acid. It has a nitrogen atom in the centre and three surrounding oxygen atoms that bond in a trigonal planar structure. The oxygen atoms carry a charge of -⅔, and the nitrogen atom has a charge of +1. Together, this combination gives the nitrate ion a formal charge of -1.

• Structure of Nitrite ion

  The nitrite ion has a symmetrical structure with both N - O bonds being equal in length and at an angle of 115°. The negative charge is equally distributed on the oxygen atoms. Thus, the overall formal charge of nitrite ion is also -1. However, the nitrite ion is a Lewis base since both nitrogen and oxygen can donate an electron pair.

Other differentiating factors between nitrates and nitrites are as follows:

NITRATE	NITRITE
There is one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms present in nitrates	There is one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms present in nitrites
The oxidation number of nitrogen in nitrates ‘+5’	The oxidation number of nitrogen in nitrites ‘+3’
A strong acid called nitric acid is formed from nitrates	A weak acid called nitrous acid is formed from nitrites
They possess a trigonal planar geometry shape	They possess a bent molecular geometry shape
When reduced, nitrates form nitrites	When oxidized, nitrites form nitrates
Fertilizers and explosives are made of nitrates	Food preservatives consist of nitrites

The chapter on p-block elements in class 12 includes a complete and detailed explanation of nitrogen. The chapter covers the oxides of nitrogen, nitrogen reactions with other elements, its structure, and uses. It also discusses the structure, functions, uses, and reactions of nitrates and nitrites with other elements.

Q. Which is worse for the human body, nitrate or nitrite?

Q. Are nitrate and nitrite basic?

Q. What are the effects of nitrate and nitrite on children?

Q. Are nitrate and nitrite soluble in water?

Q. Can nitrate and nitrite cause cancer in human bodies?