Question

Give reasons for the following: \[{N_2}{O_5}\] is more acidic than \[{N_2}{O_3}\].

Answer 1

Hint: We all know that based on their acid-base characteristics, oxides are classed as acidic, basic, amphoteric, or neutral. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining if the oxide is acidic, basic, amphoteric, or neutral.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Acidic oxides are non-metal oxides that create acids when they react with water. Aside from non-metal oxides, some metal oxides with higher oxidation numbers are acidic. The oxides that generate bases when reacting with water are known as basic oxides, and they are usually metal oxides. All transition metals and groups of one and two elements, except for beryllium, create basic oxides.

Amphoteric oxides have both basic and acidic properties. These are primarily made up of elements that exist on the boundary between metals and nonmetals. When the central atom is in a high oxidation state, the molecule is electron-deficient and has a proclivity for accepting electrons. As a result, it has an acidic pH. Oxides with a lower oxidation state central metal atom can easily lose electrons to attain a higher oxidation state, thereby functioning as a base.

Let us calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_3}\]as follows:
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \[x\].
\[
  2x + 3\left( { - 2} \right) = 0 \\
   \Rightarrow x = + 3 \\
 \]
Therefore, the oxidation of nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_3}\] is \[ + 3\].

Let us calculate the oxidation state of nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_5}\]as follows:
Let the oxidation state of nitrogen be \[x\].
\[
  2x + 5\left( { - 2} \right) = 0 \\
   \Rightarrow x = + 5 \\
 \]
Therefore, the oxidation of nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_5}\] is \[ + 5\].
The nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_5}\] is in \[ + 5\] oxidation state, whereas the nitrogen in \[{N_2}{O_3}\] is in \[ + 3\] oxidation state. And when the oxidation number rises, the acidic nature rises with it.

Therefore, \[{N_2}{O_5}\] is more acidic than \[{N_2}{O_3}\].

Note: We know that nitrogen is found in the current periodic table's p-block and has a high electronegativity. It's classified as non-metal. Non-metal oxides are acidic, as we now know. However, some nitrogen oxides, such as nitric oxide and nitrous oxide, are naturally neutral.