The decomposition of nitroamine (NH2NO2) in concentrated mineral acids

Abstract

The decomposition of nitroamine has been studied in concentrated aqueous perchloric acid, sulphuric acid, and hydrochloric acid over a range of temperatures. In all cases there is a linear correlation between log k₁ and the Hammett acidity function H₀, with a slope of ca. 0.35. These results have been interpreted in terms of a rate-determining nucleophilic attack of water upon the protonated nitroamine to give hydroxylamine and nitrous acid, which then react to give dinitrogen oxide.