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dinitrogen pentoxide
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dinitrogen pentoxide

chemical compound
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Quick Summary

Dinitrogen pentoxide, also known as nitrogen pentoxide or nitric anhydride, is a white, crystalline, and unstable chemical compound with the formula N₂O₅. It can be produced by dehydrating nitric acid.12

Dinitrogen pentoxide is an acid anhydride, meaning it reacts with water to form an oxyacid. Specifically, it reacts with water to produce nitric acid (HNO₃).2

N₂O₅ + H₂O → 2HNO₃

This compound is a powerful oxidizing agent and can react violently with various substances, including metals, nonmetals, and organic materials. Due to its instability, it decomposes into nitrogen dioxide (N₂O₄) and oxygen (O₂) above room temperature.2

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. nitrogen pentoxide
  2. oxide - Oxides of nitrogen
  3. nitrogen dioxide

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