Cu3N2 + 8 HNO3 → 2 N2O + 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 4 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 N-III - 8 e- → 2 NI (oxidation)
2 NV + 8 e- → 2 NI (reduction)
Cu3N2 is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent (synproportionation (comproportionation)).
Reactants:
- Cu3N2
- HNO3 – Nitric acid
- Other names: Aqua fortis , Spirit of niter , Eau forte
- Appearance: Colorless, yellow or red fuming liquid ; Colourless-to-yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless, yellow, or red, fuming liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution. Fuming nitric acid is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide.]
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