Difference between revisions of "Nitric oxide" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
({{Paid}})
m (Protected "Nitric oxide": Copyedited [edit=sysop:move=sysop])
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Claimed}}{{Contracted}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Paid}}
+
{{Copyedited}}{{Claimed}}{{Contracted}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Paid}}
 
{{Chembox/Top|Nitric oxide}}
 
{{Chembox/Top|Nitric oxide}}
 
|-
 
|-
Line 11: Line 11:
 
{{Chembox/SectProperties}}
 
{{Chembox/SectProperties}}
 
| [[Density]] and [[Phase (matter)|phase]]
 
| [[Density]] and [[Phase (matter)|phase]]
| 1.3 × 10<sup>3</sup> kg m<sup>−3</sup> (liquid)<br>1.34 g dm<sup>−3</sup> (vapour)
+
| 1.3 × 10<sup>3</sup> kg m<sup>−3</sup> (liquid)<br/>1.34 g dm<sup>−3</sup> (vapour)
 
|-
 
|-
 
{{Chembox/Solubility|water|}}
 
{{Chembox/Solubility|water|}}
Line 43: Line 43:
 
{{Chembox/Bottom}}
 
{{Chembox/Bottom}}
  
The [[chemical compound]] '''nitric oxide''' is a [[gas]] with [[chemical formula|formula]] [[Nitrogen|N]][[Oxygen|O]]. It is an important [[signaling molecule]] in the body of [[mammal]]s, including [[human]]s&mdash;one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. It is also a [[toxic]] [[air pollutant]] produced by [[automobile]] [[engine]]s and [[power plant]]s.
+
The [[chemical compound]] '''nitric oxide''' is a [[gas]] with [[chemical formula|formula]] [[Nitrogen|N]][[Oxygen|O]]. It is an important [[signaling molecule]] in the body of [[mammal]]s, including [[human]]s&mdash;one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. It is also a [[toxic]] [[air pollutant]] produced by [[automobile]] [[engine]]s and [[power plant]]s.
  
 
Nitric oxide (NO) should not be confused with [[nitrous oxide]] (N<sub>2</sub>O), a [[general anesthetic]], or with [[nitrogen dioxide]] (NO<sub>2</sub>), which is another poisonous air pollutant.
 
Nitric oxide (NO) should not be confused with [[nitrous oxide]] (N<sub>2</sub>O), a [[general anesthetic]], or with [[nitrogen dioxide]] (NO<sub>2</sub>), which is another poisonous air pollutant.
  
The nitric oxide molecule is a [[free radical]], which is relevant to understanding its high reactivity. It reacts with the [[oxygen]] in air to form [[nitrogen dioxide]], signalled by the appearance of the reddish-brown colour.
+
The nitric oxide molecule is a [[free radical]], which is relevant to understanding its high reactivity. It reacts with the [[oxygen]] in air to form [[nitrogen dioxide]], signaled by the appearance of the reddish-brown color.
  
 
== Production and environmental effects ==
 
== Production and environmental effects ==
  
From a thermodynamic perspective, NO is unstable with respect to O<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>, although this conversion is very slow at ambient temperatures in the absence of a catalyst. Because the heat of formation of NO is [[endothermic]], its synthesis from molecular nitrogen and oxygen requires elevated temperatures, >1000 °C. A major natural source is lightning. The use of internal combustion engines has drastically increased the presence of nitric oxide in the environment. One purpose of [[catalytic converter]]s in cars is to minimize NO formation by catalytic reversion to O<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>.
+
From a thermodynamic perspective, NO is unstable with respect to O<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>, although this conversion is very slow at ambient temperatures in the absence of a catalyst. Because the heat of formation of NO is [[endothermic]], its synthesis from molecular nitrogen and oxygen requires elevated temperatures, >1,000 °C. A major natural source is lightning. The use of internal combustion engines has drastically increased the presence of nitric oxide in the environment. One purpose of [[catalytic converter]]s in cars is to minimize NO formation by catalytic reversion to O<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>.
  
 
Nitric oxide in the air may convert to [[nitric acid]], which has been implicated in [[acid rain]]. Furthermore, both NO and NO<sub>2</sub> participate in [[ozone depletion|ozone layer depletion]].
 
Nitric oxide in the air may convert to [[nitric acid]], which has been implicated in [[acid rain]]. Furthermore, both NO and NO<sub>2</sub> participate in [[ozone depletion|ozone layer depletion]].
Line 58: Line 58:
 
== Technical applications ==
 
== Technical applications ==
  
Although NO has relatively few direct uses, it is produced on a massive scale as an intermediate in the [[Ostwald process]] for the synthesis of [[nitric acid]] from [[ammonia]]. In 2005, the United States alone produced 6M metric tonnes of nitric acid.<ref>"Production: Growth is the Norm" ''Chemical and Engineering News'' July 10, 2006, p. 59.</ref> It finds use in the [[semiconductor]] industry for various processes. In one of its applications it is used along with [[nitrous oxide]] to form oxynitride gates in [[CMOS]] devices.
+
Although NO has relatively few direct uses, it is produced on a massive scale as an intermediate in the [[Ostwald process]] for the synthesis of [[nitric acid]] from [[ammonia]]. In 2005, the United States alone produced six million metric tons of nitric acid.<ref>"Production: Growth is the Norm." ''Chemical and Engineering News'' (July 10, 2006): 59.</ref> It finds use in the [[semiconductor]] industry for various processes. In one of its applications it is used along with [[nitrous oxide]] to form oxynitride gates in [[CMOS]] devices.
  
 
Nitric oxide can also be used for detecting surface radicals on polymers. Quenching of surface [[Radical (chemistry)|radical]]s with nitric oxide results in the incorporation of nitrogen, which can be quantified by means of [[X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy]].
 
Nitric oxide can also be used for detecting surface radicals on polymers. Quenching of surface [[Radical (chemistry)|radical]]s with nitric oxide results in the incorporation of nitrogen, which can be quantified by means of [[X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy]].
Line 65: Line 65:
 
{{main|Endothelium-derived relaxing factor}}
 
{{main|Endothelium-derived relaxing factor}}
  
Nitric oxide is a key [[signal transduction|biological messenger]], playing a role in a variety of biological process. Nitric oxide, known as the '[[endothelium-derived relaxing factor]]', or 'EDRF', is biosynthesised from [[arginine]] and [[oxygen]] by various [[nitric oxide synthase]] (NOS) [[enzyme]]s and by reduction of inorganic nitrate. The [[endothelium]] (inner lining) of [[blood vessel]]s use nitric oxide to signal the surrounding [[smooth muscle]] to relax, thus dilating the artery and increasing blood flow. The production of nitric oxide is elevated in populations living at high-altitudes, which helps these people avoid [[hypoxia]].   Effects include blood vessel dilatation, [[neurotransmitter|neurotransmission]], modulation of the [[hair|hair cycle]], and [[erection|penile erections]]. [[Glyceryl trinitrate (pharmacology)|Nitroglycerin]] and [[amyl nitrite]] serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.
+
Nitric oxide is a key [[signal transduction|biological messenger]], playing a role in a variety of biological process. Nitric oxide, known as the [[endothelium-derived relaxing factor]], or EDRF, is biosynthesized from [[arginine]] and [[oxygen]] by various [[nitric oxide synthase]] (NOS) [[enzyme]]s and by reduction of inorganic nitrate. The [[endothelium]] (inner lining) of [[blood vessel]]s use nitric oxide to signal the surrounding [[smooth muscle]] to relax, thus dilating the artery and increasing blood flow. The production of nitric oxide is elevated in populations living at high-altitudes, which helps these people avoid [[hypoxia]]. Effects include blood vessel dilatation, [[neurotransmitter|neurotransmission]], modulation of the [[hair|hair cycle]], and [[erection|penile erections]]. [[Glyceryl trinitrate (pharmacology)|Nitroglycerin]] and [[amyl nitrite]] serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.
  
Nitric oxide is also generated by [[macrophage]]s and [[neutrophil]]s as part of the human [[immune response]]. Nitric oxide is toxic to [[bacteria]] and other human [[pathogens]]. Many bacterial pathogens have evolved mechanisms for nitric oxide resistance.<ref>C.A. Janeway et al. ''Immunobiology: the immune system in health and disease'' 6th ed. (New York: Garland Science, 2005). ISBN 0815341016.</ref>
+
Nitric oxide is also generated by [[macrophage]]s and [[neutrophil]]s as part of the human [[immune response]]. Nitric oxide is toxic to [[bacteria]] and other human [[pathogens]]. Many bacterial pathogens have evolved mechanisms for nitric oxide resistance.<ref>Janeway. C. A., et al. ''Immunobiology: the immune system in health and disease'' 6th ed. New York: Garland Science, 2005. ISBN 0815341016</ref>
  
 
Nitric oxide can contribute to [[reperfusion injury]] when excessive amount produced during reperfusion (following a period of [[ischemia]]) reacts with [[superoxide]] to produce the damaging [[radical (chemistry)|free radical]] [[peroxynitrite]]. Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to help survival and recovery from [[paraquat]] poisoning, which produces lung tissue damaging superoxide and hinders NOS metabolism.
 
Nitric oxide can contribute to [[reperfusion injury]] when excessive amount produced during reperfusion (following a period of [[ischemia]]) reacts with [[superoxide]] to produce the damaging [[radical (chemistry)|free radical]] [[peroxynitrite]]. Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to help survival and recovery from [[paraquat]] poisoning, which produces lung tissue damaging superoxide and hinders NOS metabolism.
  
In plants, nitric oxide can be produced by any of four routes: (i) nitric oxide synthase (as in animals), (ii) by plasma membrane-bound [[nitrate reductase]], (iii) by mitochondrial electron transport chain, or (iv) by non enzymatic reactions. It is a signaling molecule, acts mainly against oxidative stress and also plays a role in plant pathogen interactions. Treating cut flowers and other plants with nitric oxide has been shown to lengthen the time before wilting.<ref>Judy Siegel-Itzkovich. [http://www.studentbmj.com/issues/99/09/news/313.php "Viagra makes flowers stand up straight,"] ''[[Student BMJ]]'' September 7, 1999. Retrieved May 20, 2007.</ref>
+
In plants, nitric oxide can be produced by any of four routes: (i) nitric oxide synthase (as in animals), (ii) by plasma membrane-bound [[nitrate reductase]], (iii) by mitochondrial electron transport chain, or (iv) by non enzymatic reactions. It is a signaling molecule, acts mainly against oxidative stress and also plays a role in plant pathogen interactions. Treating cut flowers and other plants with nitric oxide has been shown to lengthen the time before wilting.<ref>Siegel-Itzkovich, Judy. [http://www.studentbmj.com/issues/99/09/news/313.php "Viagra makes flowers stand up straight."] ''Student BMJ'' (September 7, 1999). Retrieved May 20, 2007.</ref>
  
A biologically important reaction of nitric oxide is S-[[nitrosation]] (or S-nitrosylation), the covalent attachment of a nitric oxide to the [[thiol]] group of [[cysteine]] within proteins. S-Nitrosylation has been described by some of its proponents as a mechanism for dynamic, post-translational regulation of most or all main classes of protein. Firm evidence to support this claim is limited.
+
A biologically important reaction of nitric oxide is S-[[nitrosation]] (or S-nitrosylation), the covalent attachment of a nitric oxide to the [[thiol]] group of [[cysteine]] within proteins. S-Nitrosylation has been described by some of its proponents as a mechanism for dynamic, post-translational regulation of most or all main classes of protein. Firm evidence to support this claim is limited.
  
 
==Reactions==
 
==Reactions==
  
When exposed to oxygen, NO is converted into NO<sub>2</sub>.
+
When exposed to oxygen, NO is converted into NO<sub>2</sub>.  
 
:2NO + O<sub>2</sub> → 2NO<sub>2</sub>
 
:2NO + O<sub>2</sub> → 2NO<sub>2</sub>
This conversion has been speculated as occurring via the ONOONO intermediate. In water, NO react with oxygen and water to form HNO<sub>2</sub> or [[nitrous acid]]. The reaction is thought to proceed via the following stoichiometry:
+
This conversion has been speculated as occurring via the ONOONO intermediate. In water, NO react with oxygen and water to form HNO<sub>2</sub> or [[nitrous acid]]. The reaction is thought to proceed via the following stoichiometry:
:4 NO + O<sub>2</sub> + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O → 4 HNO<sub>2</sub>
+
:4 NO + O<sub>2</sub> + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O → 4 HNO<sub>2</sub>
  
NO will react with [[fluorine]], [[chlorine]], and [[bromine]] to from the XNO species, known as the nitrosyl halides, such as [[nitrosyl chloride]]. Nitrosyl iodide can form but is an extremely short lived species and tends to reform I<sub>2</sub>.
+
NO will react with [[fluorine]], [[chlorine]], and [[bromine]] to from the XNO species, known as the nitrosyl halides, such as [[nitrosyl chloride]]. Nitrosyl iodide can form but is an extremely short lived species and tends to reform I<sub>2</sub>.
 
:2NO + Cl<sub>2</sub> → 2NOCl
 
:2NO + Cl<sub>2</sub> → 2NOCl
  
Line 92: Line 92:
 
:8[[Nitric acid|HNO<sub>3</sub>]] + 3[[Copper|Cu]] → 3Cu(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub> + 4H<sub>2</sub>O + 2NO
 
:8[[Nitric acid|HNO<sub>3</sub>]] + 3[[Copper|Cu]] → 3Cu(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub> + 4H<sub>2</sub>O + 2NO
 
It can also be prepared by the reduction of nitrous acid:
 
It can also be prepared by the reduction of nitrous acid:
:2 [[Sodium nitrite|NaNO<sub>2</sub>]] + 2 NaI + 2 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> → I<sub>2</sub> + 4 [[Sodium bisulfate|NaHSO<sub>4</sub>]] + 2 NO
+
:2 [[Sodium nitrite|NaNO<sub>2</sub>]] + 2 NaI + 2 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> → I<sub>2</sub> + 4 [[Sodium bisulfate|NaHSO<sub>4</sub>]] + 2 NO
:2 NaNO<sub>2</sub> + 2 FeSO<sub>4</sub> + 3 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> Fe<sub>2</sub>(SO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub> + 2 NaHSO<sub>4</sub> + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O + 2 NO
+
:2 NaNO<sub>2</sub> + 2 FeSO<sub>4</sub> + 3 H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> → Fe<sub>2</sub>(SO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub> + 2 NaHSO<sub>4</sub> + 2 H<sub>2</sub>O + 2 NO
:3 KNO<sub>2</sub>(l) + [[Potassium nitrate|KNO<sub>3</sub>]] (l) + Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>(s) →   2 K<sub>2</sub>CrO<sub>4</sub>(s) + 4 NO (g)
+
:3 KNO<sub>2</sub>(l) + [[Potassium nitrate|KNO<sub>3</sub>]] (l) + Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>(s) → 2 K<sub>2</sub>CrO<sub>4</sub>(s) + 4 NO (g)
  
 
The route involving iron(II) sulfate is simple and has been used in undergraduate laboratory experiments.
 
The route involving iron(II) sulfate is simple and has been used in undergraduate laboratory experiments.
  
Commercially, NO is produced by the oxidation of ammonia at 750 to 900 °C (normally at 850 °C) in the presence of platinum as catalyst:
+
Commercially, NO is produced by the oxidation of ammonia at 750 to 900 °C (normally at 850 °C) in the presence of platinum as catalyst:  
 
:4NH<sub>3</sub> + 5O<sub>2</sub> → 4NO + 6H<sub>2</sub>O
 
:4NH<sub>3</sub> + 5O<sub>2</sub> → 4NO + 6H<sub>2</sub>O
  
The uncatalyzed [[endothermic]] reaction of [[Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]] and [[Nitrogen|N<sub>2</sub>]], which occurs at high temperatures (above 2000°C) with lightning, has not been developed into a practical commercial synthesis. The reaction may be written as:
+
The uncatalyzed [[endothermic]] reaction of [[Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]] and [[Nitrogen|N<sub>2</sub>]], which occurs at high temperatures (above 2,000 °C) with lightning, has not been developed into a practical commercial synthesis. The reaction may be written as:
 
:N<sub>2</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → 2NO
 
:N<sub>2</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → 2NO
  
 
==Coordination Chemistry==
 
==Coordination Chemistry==
  
Nitric oxide forms complexes with all [[transition metal]]s to give complexes called [[metal nitrosyl]]s. The most common bonding mode of NO is the terminal "linear" type, in which the angle of the M-N-O group varies from 160 to 180°. In this case, the NO group is formally considered a 3-electron donor. Alternatively, one can view such complexes as derived from NO<sup>+</sup>, which is isoelectronic with CO.
+
Nitric oxide forms complexes with all [[transition metal]]s to give complexes called [[metal nitrosyl]]s. The most common bonding mode of NO is the terminal "linear" type, in which the angle of the M-N-O group varies from 160 to 180 degrees. In this case, the NO group is formally considered a 3-electron donor. Alternatively, one can view such complexes as derived from NO<sup>+</sup>, which is isoelectronic with CO.
  
In other complexes, the M-N-O group is characterized by an angle between 120-140°. In such cases, nitric oxide is thought of as a "one-electron pseudohalide."
+
In other complexes, the M-N-O group is characterized by an angle between 120-140 degrees. In such cases, nitric oxide is thought of as a "one-electron pseudohalide."
  
 
The NO group can also form a bridge between metal centers through the nitrogen atom in a variety of geometries.
 
The NO group can also form a bridge between metal centers through the nitrogen atom in a variety of geometries.
Line 124: Line 124:
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
  
* Butler, A.R., and R. Nicholson. 2003. ''Life, Death and Nitric Oxide''. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 0854046860.
+
* Butler, A. R., and R. Nicholson. 2003. ''Life, Death and Nitric Oxide''. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 0854046860
  
* Cotton, F. Albert, Geoffrey Wilkinson, Carlos A. Murillo, and Manfred Bochmann. 1999. ''Advanced Inorganic Chemistry''. 6th ed. New York: Wiley. ISBN 0471199575.
+
* Cotton, F. Albert, Geoffrey Wilkinson, Carlos A. Murillo, and Manfred Bochmann. 1999. ''Advanced Inorganic Chemistry''. 6th edition. New York: Wiley. ISBN 0471199575
  
* Faassen, Ernst van, and Anatoly F. Vanin, eds. 2007. ''Radicals for Life: The Various Forms of Nitric Oxide''. Amsterdam: Elsevier. ISBN 0444522360.
+
* Faassen, Ernst van and Anatoly F. Vanin (eds.). 2007. ''Radicals for Life: The Various Forms of Nitric Oxide''. Amsterdam: Elsevier. ISBN 0444522360
  
* Lancaster, Jack, Jr. 1996. ''Nitric Oxide: Principles and Actions''. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. ISBN 0124355552.
+
* Lancaster, Jack, Jr. 1996. ''Nitric Oxide: Principles and Actions''. San Diego, C.A.: Academic Press. ISBN 0124355552
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
  
 
*[http://www.npi.gov.au/database/substance-info/profiles/67.html Oxides of nitrogen fact sheet.] ''Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Australian Government''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
*[http://www.npi.gov.au/database/substance-info/profiles/67.html Oxides of nitrogen fact sheet.] ''Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Australian Government''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
* [http://www.elsevier.com/inca/publications/store/6/2/2/9/2/6/ Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry.] ''Elsevier''. (A peer-reviewed scientific journal.) Retrieved May 24, 2007.
+
* [http://www.elsevier.com/inca/publications/store/6/2/2/9/2/6/ Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry.] ''Elsevier''. (A peer-reviewed scientific journal.) Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
* [http://www.nobel.se/medicine/laureates/1998/index.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998.] (Role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular regulation.) Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
* [http://www.nobel.se/medicine/laureates/1998/index.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998.] (Role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular regulation.) Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
* [http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/annodyne/burkeseries.php Nitric Oxide, Its Role in Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Wound Healing.] Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
* [http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/annodyne/burkeseries.php Nitric Oxide, Its Role in Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Wound Healing.] Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
*[http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/060817_brain_boot.html Your Brain Boots Up Like a Computer] ''LiveScience''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
 
*[http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/060817_brain_boot.html Your Brain Boots Up Like a Computer] ''LiveScience''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
*[http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/5164 Diabetes Watch: Assessing The Potential Of Nitric Oxide In The Diabetic Foot.] ''PodiatryToday''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
+
*[http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/5164 Diabetes Watch: Assessing The Potential of Nitric Oxide in the Diabetic Foot.] ''PodiatryToday''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
  
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]

Revision as of 20:03, 31 May 2007

Nitric oxide
Nitric oxide Nitric oxide
General
Molecular formula NO
Molar mass 30.0061 g/mol
Appearance colourless gas
CAS number 10102-43-9
Properties
Density and phase 1.3 × 103 kg m−3 (liquid)
1.34 g dm−3 (vapour)
Solubility in water
Melting point −163.6 °C (109.6 K)
Boiling point −151.7 °C (121.4 K)
Structure
Molecular shape linear
Dipole moment 0.15 D
Thermodynamic data
Std enthalpy of
formation
ΔfHo298
+90.2 kJ/mol
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
EU classification Toxic (T), corrosive (C)
NFPA 704

NFPA 704.svg

0
3
2
OX
R-phrases R23, R24, R25, R34, R44
S-phrases S23, S36, S37, S39
Supplementary data page
Structure and
properties
n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic
data
Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Related nitrogen oxides Nitrous oxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Dinitrogen trioxide
Dinitrogen tetroxide
Dinitrogen pentoxide
Related compounds Nitric acid
Nitrous acid
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

The chemical compound nitric oxide is a gas with formula NO. It is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals, including humans—one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. It is also a toxic air pollutant produced by automobile engines and power plants.

Nitric oxide (NO) should not be confused with nitrous oxide (N2O), a general anesthetic, or with nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is another poisonous air pollutant.

The nitric oxide molecule is a free radical, which is relevant to understanding its high reactivity. It reacts with the oxygen in air to form nitrogen dioxide, signaled by the appearance of the reddish-brown color.

Production and environmental effects

From a thermodynamic perspective, NO is unstable with respect to O2 and N2, although this conversion is very slow at ambient temperatures in the absence of a catalyst. Because the heat of formation of NO is endothermic, its synthesis from molecular nitrogen and oxygen requires elevated temperatures, >1,000 °C. A major natural source is lightning. The use of internal combustion engines has drastically increased the presence of nitric oxide in the environment. One purpose of catalytic converters in cars is to minimize NO formation by catalytic reversion to O2 and N2.

Nitric oxide in the air may convert to nitric acid, which has been implicated in acid rain. Furthermore, both NO and NO2 participate in ozone layer depletion. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small highly diffusible gas and a ubiquitous bioactive molecule.

Technical applications

Although NO has relatively few direct uses, it is produced on a massive scale as an intermediate in the Ostwald process for the synthesis of nitric acid from ammonia. In 2005, the United States alone produced six million metric tons of nitric acid.[1] It finds use in the semiconductor industry for various processes. In one of its applications it is used along with nitrous oxide to form oxynitride gates in CMOS devices.

Nitric oxide can also be used for detecting surface radicals on polymers. Quenching of surface radicals with nitric oxide results in the incorporation of nitrogen, which can be quantified by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Biological functions

Nitric oxide is a key biological messenger, playing a role in a variety of biological process. Nitric oxide, known as the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, or EDRF, is biosynthesized from arginine and oxygen by various nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes and by reduction of inorganic nitrate. The endothelium (inner lining) of blood vessels use nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, thus dilating the artery and increasing blood flow. The production of nitric oxide is elevated in populations living at high-altitudes, which helps these people avoid hypoxia. Effects include blood vessel dilatation, neurotransmission, modulation of the hair cycle, and penile erections. Nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.

Nitric oxide is also generated by macrophages and neutrophils as part of the human immune response. Nitric oxide is toxic to bacteria and other human pathogens. Many bacterial pathogens have evolved mechanisms for nitric oxide resistance.[2]

Nitric oxide can contribute to reperfusion injury when excessive amount produced during reperfusion (following a period of ischemia) reacts with superoxide to produce the damaging free radical peroxynitrite. Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to help survival and recovery from paraquat poisoning, which produces lung tissue damaging superoxide and hinders NOS metabolism.

In plants, nitric oxide can be produced by any of four routes: (i) nitric oxide synthase (as in animals), (ii) by plasma membrane-bound nitrate reductase, (iii) by mitochondrial electron transport chain, or (iv) by non enzymatic reactions. It is a signaling molecule, acts mainly against oxidative stress and also plays a role in plant pathogen interactions. Treating cut flowers and other plants with nitric oxide has been shown to lengthen the time before wilting.[3]

A biologically important reaction of nitric oxide is S-nitrosation (or S-nitrosylation), the covalent attachment of a nitric oxide to the thiol group of cysteine within proteins. S-Nitrosylation has been described by some of its proponents as a mechanism for dynamic, post-translational regulation of most or all main classes of protein. Firm evidence to support this claim is limited.

Reactions

When exposed to oxygen, NO is converted into NO2.

2NO + O2 → 2NO2

This conversion has been speculated as occurring via the ONOONO intermediate. In water, NO react with oxygen and water to form HNO2 or nitrous acid. The reaction is thought to proceed via the following stoichiometry:

4 NO + O2 + 2 H2O → 4 HNO2

NO will react with fluorine, chlorine, and bromine to from the XNO species, known as the nitrosyl halides, such as nitrosyl chloride. Nitrosyl iodide can form but is an extremely short lived species and tends to reform I2.

2NO + Cl2 → 2NOCl

Nitroxyl (HNO) is the reduced form of nitric oxide.

Preparation

As noted above, nitric oxide is produced industrially by the direct reaction of O2 and N2 at high temperatures. In the laboratory, it is conveniently generated by the reduction of nitric acid:

8HNO3 + 3Cu → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO

It can also be prepared by the reduction of nitrous acid:

2 NaNO2 + 2 NaI + 2 H2SO4 → I2 + 4 NaHSO4 + 2 NO
2 NaNO2 + 2 FeSO4 + 3 H2SO4 → Fe2(SO4)3 + 2 NaHSO4 + 2 H2O + 2 NO
3 KNO2(l) + KNO3 (l) + Cr2O3(s) → 2 K2CrO4(s) + 4 NO (g)

The route involving iron(II) sulfate is simple and has been used in undergraduate laboratory experiments.

Commercially, NO is produced by the oxidation of ammonia at 750 to 900 °C (normally at 850 °C) in the presence of platinum as catalyst:

4NH3 + 5O2 → 4NO + 6H2O

The uncatalyzed endothermic reaction of O2 and N2, which occurs at high temperatures (above 2,000 °C) with lightning, has not been developed into a practical commercial synthesis. The reaction may be written as:

N2 + O2 → 2NO

Coordination Chemistry

Nitric oxide forms complexes with all transition metals to give complexes called metal nitrosyls. The most common bonding mode of NO is the terminal "linear" type, in which the angle of the M-N-O group varies from 160 to 180 degrees. In this case, the NO group is formally considered a 3-electron donor. Alternatively, one can view such complexes as derived from NO+, which is isoelectronic with CO.

In other complexes, the M-N-O group is characterized by an angle between 120-140 degrees. In such cases, nitric oxide is thought of as a "one-electron pseudohalide."

The NO group can also form a bridge between metal centers through the nitrogen atom in a variety of geometries.

Measurement of nitric oxide concentration

The concentration of nitric oxide can be determined using a simple chemiluminescent reaction involving ozone: A sample containing nitric oxide is mixed with a large quantity of ozone. The nitric oxide reacts with the ozone to produce oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. This reaction also produces light (chemiluminescence), which can be measured with a photodetector. The amount of light produced is proportional to the amount of nitric oxide in the sample.

NO + O3 → NO2 + O2 + light

Other methods of testing include electroanalysis, where NO reacts with an electrode to induce a current or voltage change.

Notes

  1. "Production: Growth is the Norm." Chemical and Engineering News (July 10, 2006): 59.
  2. Janeway. C. A., et al. Immunobiology: the immune system in health and disease 6th ed. New York: Garland Science, 2005. ISBN 0815341016
  3. Siegel-Itzkovich, Judy. "Viagra makes flowers stand up straight." Student BMJ (September 7, 1999). Retrieved May 20, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Butler, A. R., and R. Nicholson. 2003. Life, Death and Nitric Oxide. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 0854046860
  • Cotton, F. Albert, Geoffrey Wilkinson, Carlos A. Murillo, and Manfred Bochmann. 1999. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. 6th edition. New York: Wiley. ISBN 0471199575
  • Faassen, Ernst van and Anatoly F. Vanin (eds.). 2007. Radicals for Life: The Various Forms of Nitric Oxide. Amsterdam: Elsevier. ISBN 0444522360
  • Lancaster, Jack, Jr. 1996. Nitric Oxide: Principles and Actions. San Diego, C.A.: Academic Press. ISBN 0124355552

External links

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.