Question

The heating of $ \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_2 $ at 60--70$^\circ$C and $ \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 $ at 200--250$^\circ$C is associated with the formation of nitrogen containing compounds X and Y, respectively. X and Y, respectively, are:

• A. \( \text{N}_2 \) and \( \text{N}_2\text{O} \)
• B. \( \text{NH}_3 \) and \( \text{NO}_2 \)
• C. \( \text{NO} \) and \( \text{N}_2\text{O} \)
• D. \( \text{N}_2 \) and \( \text{NH}_3 \)

Hint:

Thermal decomposition of ammonium salts leads to different nitrogen oxides depending on the compound: nitrite gives nitrogen gas, while nitrate gives nitrous oxide.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrite (\( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_2 \)) When heated around 60--70\(^\circ\)C, it decomposes as: \[ \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_2 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{N}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \] Step 2: Thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate (\( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \)) When heated around 200--250\(^\circ\)C, it decomposes to: \[ \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{N}_2\text{O} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \] Hence, compound X is \( \text{N}_2 \), and compound Y is \( \text{N}_2\text{O} \).