What is Nitrate?
{{Ionbox | ImageFile1 = Nitrate anion.svg | ImageSize1 =170px | ImageAlt1 = Lewis structure | ImageFileL1 = Nitrate-3D-vdW.png | ImageSizeL1 = 121px | ImageAltL1 = [[Space-filling model]] of the nitrate ion | ImageFileR1 = Nitrate-3D-balls.png | ImageSizeR1 = 121px | ImageAltR1 = [[Ball-and-stick model]] of the nitrate ion | SystematicName = Nitrate | IUPACName = | OtherNames = | Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers | CASNo = | PubChem = | SMILES = }} | Section2 = {{Chembox Properties | Formula = {{chem|N|O|3|-}} | MolarMass = 62.0049 g mol<sup>-1</sup> | Appearance = | Solubility = }} | Section3 = {{Chembox Hazards | MainHazards = | FlashPt = | Autoignition = }} }} '''Nitrate''' (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>1-</sup>) is a polyatomic [[ion]]. It is made up of one [[nitrogen]] and three [[oxygen]] atoms. It is part of many important [[molecule]]s. [[Potassium nitrate]] is a common type of nitrate. It is often used in [[fertilizer]]s because plants and crops need both potassium and nitrates to live and grow. [[Sodium nitrate]] is also used in preserving foods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The unhealthy preservative hiding in processed meats|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sodium-nitrate/faq-20057848|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Mayo Clinic|language=en}}</ref> Some nitrates are [[explosive]]. People make large amounts of nitrates from [[ammonia]]. Nitrates are similar to [[nitrite]]s. Many metal nitrates with thermal decomposition makes oxygen and metal nitrate. [[Nitric acid]] has the formula HNO<sub>3</sub> and has no overall charge, because the hydrogen ion is positive. Nitrate has a group [[valency]] of 1. == References == {{Reflist}} {{chem-stub}} {{Functional group}} [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]] [[Category:Ions]]