CO + 2 KNO3 → K2O + CO2 + 2 NO2
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
CII - 2 e- → CIV (oxidation)
2 NV + 2 e- → 2 NIV (reduction)
CO is a reducing agent, KNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- K2O – Potassium oxide , Potassium oxidopotassium
- CO2
- NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide
- Other names: Nitrogen(IV) oxide , Deutoxide of nitrogen , Nitrogen peroxide
- Appearance: Brown gas ; Reddish-brown gas or brown or yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Yellowish-brown liquid or reddish-brown gas (above 70°F) with a pungent, acrid odor. [Note: In solid form (below 15°F) it is found structurally as N2O4.]