Nitric Oxide (NO)

NO is produced by combustion and by decomposition of organic matter. Combustion produces both NO and NO₂, collectively denoted NO_x, but most of the N oxides produced by combustion is NO. Combustion produces NO both by combination of N₂ and O₂ and by oxidation of any organic N in the fuel. In the United States, transportation accounts for approximately 40% of anthropogenic NO_x emissions while combustion from stationary sources produces approximately 56%. (Wark and Warner 1981)

NO is slightly soluble in water. The Henry's law constant for NO is 1.9x10^-3 mol/atm. The atmospheric partial pressure of NO is 1-5x10^-10 L-atm. NO reacts rapidly with O₂ to form NO₂. NO plays an important part in some biological processes. NO biochemistry is the subject of much current research.
 

Suggested Reading:

Cotton, F. A., Wilkinson, G. 1972. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 3^rd ed. New York:Wiley.

Greenwood, N. N., Earnshaw, A. 1984. Chemistry of the Elements. Oxford:Pergamon.

Morel, F. M. M., Hering, J. G. 1993. Principles and Applications of Aquatic Chemistry. New York:Wiley.