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Inorganic Nitrogen Oxidations in Relation to Associated Changes in Free Energy
Author(s) -
Chao TyngTsair,
Kroontje Wybe
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1963.03615995002700010018x
Subject(s) - hydroxylamine , nitrite , chemistry , nitrous acid , inorganic chemistry , nitrate , nitrification , ammonia , nitrous oxide , ammonium , nitrogen , decomposition , nitric oxide , organic chemistry
Free energy changes of inorganic nitrogen oxidations in acid and basic media are calculated, interrelated, and used to interpret some research data reported in the literature. The data obtained indicate that hyponitrous acid and nitrous oxide may be considered intermediates in nitrification, however, the existence of hydroxylamine as an intermediate between ammonia and/or ammonium ion and nitrite is not supported by the calculations obtained. It is shown that in acid solutions nitrite may undergo three reactions: it may decompose to nitric oxide and nitrite, oxidize to nitrate, or be reduced to nitrous oxide; in alkaline solutions nitrate seems to be the only product. Nitrous oxide may evolve under aerobic conditions from the decomposition of hyponitrous acid and under anaerobic conditions from the interaction of intermediate products, hydroxylamine, and nitrite.