Nitrogen / Sulphur Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is photochemical smog?
A brownish haze formed in cities due to sunlight-triggered reactions between nitrogen oxides and VOCs.
What are the main pollutants involved?
Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and sunlight.
What is a peroxyacyl radical?
A reactive species (e.g. CH₃C(O)OO•) formed from VOCs like aldehydes reacting with oxygen.
How is peroxyacyl radical formed?
CH₃CHO + •OH → CH₃CO•
CH₃CO• + O₂ → CH₃C(O)OO•
How does it react with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)?
CH₃C(O)OO• + NO₂ → CH₃C(O)OONO₂ (PAN)
What is PAN?
Peroxyacetyl Nitrate – a toxic, eye-irritating, stable compound in smog.
What are the effects of PAN?
Eye & respiratory irritation
Damages plants and rubber
Contributes to air pollution and health issues
Stable at low temps – can travel long distances
What are some sulfur-containing compounds used in fertilizers?
Ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) and Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄ – gypsum), used to provide sulfur and improve soil quality.
How is sulfur used in gunpowder?
Sulfur acts as a fuel in gunpowder (with charcoal & KNO₃) to aid explosive combustion.
What’s sulfur’s role in rubber production?
Used in vulcanization — improves elasticity, strength, and durability of rubber.
What’s sulfur’s use in synthetic organic chemistry?
Used in the synthesis of dyes, drugs, and fragrances (e.g. sulfa drugs, sulfonated dyes, thiols in perfumes).
Why is sulfur important in industries?
Used in detergents, pesticides, battery acids (H₂SO₄), and paper industry (sulfite process).
