Question

Which oxide of Nitrogen is neutral?

Answer 1

1. Nitrogen and Oxygen react with each other in different ratios to form oxides of Nitrogen. Being a non-metallic oxide, majority of the oxides of Nitrogen will show acidic behavior.
2. The oxides of Nitrogen are: Nitrous oxide $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$, Nitrogen monoxide $\left(\mathrm{NO}\right)$, Dinitrogen trioxide $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$, Nitrogen dioxide $\left({\mathrm{NO}}_2\right)$, Dinitrogen tetroxide $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_4\right)$, Dinitrogen pentoxide $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_5\right)$.
3. For the oxides of a given metal, the acidic behavior increases, with an increase in the oxidation number of the element. For the oxides of nitrogen, the oxidation number varies from +1 to +5.
4. Thus, the oxides of Nitrogen with the least oxidation number like +1 and +2 in the case of Nitrous oxide and Nitric oxide respectively will show very less acidic character.
5. Also, on mixing with water, these oxides do not form any acid or base in the solution. The former oxide is slightly soluble in water and the latter is highly soluble.
6. Thus, both the oxides are neutral in nature as they do not show any acidic or basic behavior nor possess any acidic or basic properties.
7. Hence, Nitrous oxide and Nitric oxides are both neutral oxides of nitrogen.