Cu + 4 H+ + 2 NO3- → (Cu)2+ + 2 NO2 + 2 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
Cu0 - 2 e- → CuII (oxidation)
2 NV + 2 e- → 2 NIV (reduction)
Cu is a reducing agent, NO3- is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- Cu2+
- 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.]
- Other names: Nitrogen(IV) oxide
- H2O – Water, oxidane