Nitrogen dioxide () gas dissolves in water to form acidic species. Which oxoacid(s) of nitrogen is/a — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$NO_2$ has an oxidation state of +4. Since no stable nitrogen oxoacid exists with a +4 state, $NO_2$ acts as a mixed anhydride. It disproportionates in water to yield a mixture of Nitrous acid ($HNO_2$, +3) and Nitric acid ($HNO_3$, +5).