The Aqueous Solution Chemistry of Nitrogen in Low Positive Oxidation States

Abstract Recent developments in the aqueous solution chemistry of nitrogen are described, with particular attention to the low positive oxidation states +1 and +2. The compounds discussed include hyponitrous acid and hyponitrites, nitrosyl hydride (HNO, "nitroxyl"), trioxodinitrate, nitric oxide, and nitroamine. The numerous redox pathways in which these and other nitrogen compounds are participants illustrate the versatility of that element, and bear important relation to current problems in nitrogen cycle research that focus upon the identity and reactivity of nitrogen species in intermediate oxidation states.