nitrous acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. an acid, HNO 2 , known only in solution.

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nitrous acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: dioxonitric(III) acid.  a weak monobasic acid known only in solution and in the form of nitrite salts. Formula: HNO 2

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nitrous acid Scientific  

1. A weak inorganic acid existing only in solution or in the form of its salts. It can act either as an oxidizing agent or as a reducing agent. Chemical formula: HNO ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of nitrous acid

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitrous acid

Which of the following structures would we expect for nitrous acid?

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The reaction of N2O3 with water gives a pale blue solution of nitrous acid, HNO2.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

The addition of sodium nitrite to meat products is controversial because nitrous acid reacts with certain organic compounds to form a class of compounds known as nitrosamines.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

After the nitrous acid had. acted, the RNA was enabled to clothe itself in a new coat of protein.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though this is denominated a weaker acid than the nitrous, yet it will take silver, lead, or mercury, from their union with the nitrous acid.

From Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy: Particularly Including Chemistry by Priestley, Joseph