Question

Can I use Zn to reduce Sodium Nitrate to Sodium Nitrite?

Answer 1

Answer on Question #55832 - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry

Question:

Can I use Zn to reduce Sodium Nitrate to Sodium Nitrite?

Answer:

Absolutely not:

Zn + NaNO₃ ≠ - this reaction does not occur

Moreover, you needn't this at all, you just need a decomposition reaction:

NaNO₃ (sodium nitrate) = NaNO₂ (sodium nitrite) + O₂↑

You also can use zinc for getting sodium zincate

NaNO₃ + 4 Zn + 7 NaOH = NH₃ + 4 Na₂ZnO₂ (sodium zincate) + 2 H₂O

On the other hand, you can do some other chemical transformations.

For example:

1) Zn + 2N₂O₄ = Zn(NO₃)₂ = 2NO ↑

2) 2Zn(NO₃)₂ = 2ZnO + 4NO₂↑ + O₂↑

3) NO + NO₂ + 2NaOH = 2NaNO₂ + H₂O.

Alternatively:

1) Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Zn = Cu + 2ZnNO₃

2) 2Zn(NO₃)₂ = 2ZnO + 4NO₂↑ + O₂↑

3) NO + NO₂ + 2NaOH = 2NaNO₂ + H₂O.

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