2 NaNO3 + Hg + 2 H2SO4 → 2 NO2 + Na2SO4 + HgSO4 + 2 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 NV + 2 e- → 2 NIV (reduction)
Hg0 - 2 e- → HgII (oxidation)
NaNO3 is an oxidizing agent, Hg is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide
- Other names: Nitrogen(IV) oxide , Deutoxide of nitrogen , Nitrogen peroxide
- Appearance: Brown gas ; Reddish-brown gas or brown or yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Yellowish-brown liquid or reddish-brown gas (above 70°F) with a pungent, acrid odor. [Note: In solid form (below 15°F) it is found structurally as N2O4.]
- Na2SO4
- HgSO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane