Topic 1 · 12.1 · Free
Topic Notes · Easy summaries with diagrams
Chapter 12 — chapter 12
0 of 9 steps done ✓ (8 topics + Exercise)
Topic 1 of 8
📘Easy summary
Nitrogen is the main component of air but has low reactivity due to its small size, symmetrical electronic cloud and non-polar triple bond. With configuration 1s² 2s² 2p³ each N shares three electrons to form N≡N, with bond enthalpy +944 kJ mol⁻¹, so high energy is needed to break it. Both atoms are identical (zero electronegativity difference), so the bond is non-polar and does not attract electrophiles or nucleophiles. Nitrogen dilutes oxygen in air, preventing every spark from causing a fire, and is used as an inert blanket for hydrocarbons, edible oils and laboratory reactions. It is isolated industrially by fractional distillation of liquefied air (N₂ boils at −196 °C, before O₂ at −183 °C).
⭐Key points
- N≡N, 944 kJ mol⁻¹.
- Non-polar bond.
- Fractional distillation of liquid air.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
Food packets are filled with N₂ to stop oxidation.
💡Exam tip
- Quote the 944 kJ mol⁻¹ value.
✅Quick check
1. N₂ is unreactive mainly because:
2. Boiling point of N₂:
Practice this chapter
Lock it in with flashcards and exam-style MCQs.