Nitrogen Tetroxide

Nitrous tetroxide is an important chemical substance. The following will introduce its basic information, physical and chemical properties, uses, hazards, and protection:
essential information
chemical formula:
English name: Dinitrogen tetroxide
Molecular weight: 92.011
Nickname: Nitrogen Tetraoxide
Physical and chemical properties
physical property
Status and color: At room temperature, it is a colorless gas that decomposes into reddish brown nitrogen dioxide. The commonly seen finished product is a high-density yellow brown liquid. Both solid and liquid are colorless. As the temperature increases, nitrogen dioxide increases and the color deepens, from brown to reddish brown.
Melting point: Melting point -11.2 ℃, boiling point 21.2 ℃.
Density: Density (20 ℃) 1.446g/cm ³.
Solubility: soluble in water, carbon disulfide, etc., but only partially miscible with water. At 0 ℃, there are two layers of liquid with contents of 47% and 98% (by mass), and the critical temperature for mixing is 67 ℃. At this point, there is no further stratification, and the content in the liquid is 89% (by mass).
chemical property
Decomposition and synthesis: It undergoes interconversion with nitrogen dioxide, which is an endothermic reaction. As the temperature increases, the reaction proceeds towards the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
Reaction with water: It is easy to react with water to form a mixture of equimolar nitric acid and nitrous acid. When the temperature increases, nitrous acid decomposes into nitric acid and nitrogen oxide. The reaction equation is.
Oxidation reaction: It is a strong oxidant that explodes when mixed with ammonia at low temperatures; Form molecular adducts with many organic solvents such as esters, ethers, ketones, and nitriles; Liquids can corrode certain metals (alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, cadmium, mercury, etc.), generate metal salts, and release nitric oxide.
Main purpose
Rocket propellant: It is one of the most important rocket propellants that can self ignite with many fuels and often forms a two-component liquid propellant with hydrazine based fuels. For example, the Soviet Proton carrier rocket and China's Long March 2 carrier rocket used a combination of dinitrogen tetroxide and dimethylhydrazine.
Chemical synthesis reagent: It is a useful reagent in chemical synthesis, which can be used to prepare some nitrogen-containing compounds.
Hazards and Protection
Health hazards: Nitrogen oxides mainly damage the respiratory tract, with only mild eye and upper respiratory irritation symptoms in the early stages of inhalation, such as discomfort in the throat, dry cough, etc. Delayed pulmonary edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome, etc. may occur after a latent period of several hours to more than ten hours or longer.
Environmental hazards: Carbon monoxide and residual fuel or oxidants produced by incomplete combustion of rocket boosters such as nitrous oxide are atmospheric pollutants, which partially decompose into nitrogen oxides that can strongly destroy the ozone layer under the action of ultraviolet radiation.
Protective measures: When the concentration in the air exceeds the standard, a self-priming filter type gas mask (full face mask) should be worn. In case of emergency rescue or evacuation, it is recommended to wear an air respirator; Wear adhesive protective clothing and rubber gloves; Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited on the work site, and good hygiene habits should be maintained.