Nitrous acid weak monobasic acid known only in solution and in the form of nitrite salts. Formula: HNO2
Systematic name: dioxonitric(III) acid
Nitrous acid is used to make diazides from amines; this occurs by nucleophilic attack of the amine onto the nitrite, reprotonation by the surrounding solvent, and double elimination of water. The diazide can then be liberated as a carbene.
See also: nitric acid (HNO3)
Chemical structure
- O=N-O-H
