Psycho - 17-9-2002 at 14:31
Hello All. I'm currently a freshman in college, enrolled in Chemistry 101. I'm majoring in Biology, though I have
enjoyed every Chemistry course I have taken. Hmm. maybe I'll minor in Chemistry. I wish I would have taken AP Chemistry, so I wouldn't have to be a
lecture class that seats 300. Plus if I would have placed out of Chemistry, I could take more interesting Chemistry and Biology courses.
I have a question for you.
What are the products of NaNO2 + HCl?
I know NO2 is formed, and I assume NaCl is too. Is hydrogen gas formed as well, and if so would be reactive, because in my case it didn't. Thanks. I
know I am a newbie compared to the rest.
madscientist - 17-9-2002 at 14:42
Welcome to sciencemadness. 
I believe this is how the reaction proceeds.
NaNO2 + HCl ----> NaCl + HNO2
HNO2 (nitrous acid) is very unstable.
2HNO2 ----> H2O + NO + NO2
So, overall:
2NaNO2 + 2HCl ----> 2NaCl + H2O + NO + NO2
Psycho - 17-9-2002 at 14:47
Thanks for your help, I though that something unstable like that formed. Again, thanks.