What is Nitric oxide?
'''Nitric oxide''' also known as '''nitrogen monoxide''' is a [[chemical compound]]. It contains [[nitrogen]] in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. It contains nitrogen and [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. Its [[chemical formula]] is often given as ·N=O. ==Properties== It is a colorless [[gas]]. It is easily [[oxidation|oxidized]] to [[nitrogen dioxide]] by air. It can react with a mixture of air and water to make [[nitrous acid]]. It glows when reacted with [[ozone]]. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[ammonia]] with [[oxygen]] with a [[catalyst]]. It is also made in lightning. It can be made in small amounts by reacting [[copper]] with [[nitric acid]]. It can also be made by [[reduction (chemistry)|reducing]] [[nitrous acid]] with compounds such as [[iron(II) sulfate]]. ==Uses== Nitric oxide is used in making [[nitric acid]] from ammonia. Ammonia is reacted with air to make nitric oxide, and the nitric oxide is oxidized by air to make nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen dioxide is dissolved in water to make nitric acid and more nitric oxide. It is also used as a [[stimulant]] in the [[human body]]. It has many actions in the human body that are being studied. ==Safety== Nitric oxide is [[Poison|toxic]] when breathed in. It also easily is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, a toxic brown choking substance. ==Related pages== *[[Nitrous oxide]] *[[Nitrite]] *[[Sodium nitrite]] {{Nitric oxide signaling modulators}} [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]