What role does hydroxylamine play in metal-catalyzed nitrate and nitrite reduction?
Label:chem
Topic
Hydroxylamine (NH2OH) has been discovered as an intermediate in the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) using metal catalysts. This finding challenges the long-standing assumption that nitrite, ammonia, and nitrogen gas are the only relevant products in these reactions. The presence of hydroxylamine suggests that the reaction mechanism may be more complex than previously thought.
Answer
Hydroxylamine is an essential intermediate in the reduction of nitrate and nitrite, challenging the assumption of nitrogen gas selectivity and indicating that the reaction mechanism needs to be reevaluated. Its presence also poses a setback for the application of catalytic nitrate and nitrite reduction in drinking water purification due to its toxicity.
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