Tip 1: Nitrous acid: chemical and physical properties

The science

Tip 1: Nitrous acid: chemical and physical properties

Nitrous acid refers to weak andunstable acids. Chemists have not yet managed to get it in its pure form. It exists only in aqueous solution and exhibits both oxidative and reducing properties simultaneously.

Physical and chemical properties of nitrous acid

Nitric acid (chemical formula HNO2) canexist only as a solution or gas. The solution has a pleasant blue tint and is stable at zero degrees. The gas phase of nitric acid has been studied much better than the liquid phase. Its molecule has a flat structure. The valent angles formed by the atoms are 102ᵒ and 111ᵒ, respectively. The nitrogen atom is in a sp2 hybridization state and has a pair of electrons that are not bonded to the molecule itself. Its oxidation degree in nitrous acid is +3. The bond length of atoms does not exceed 0.143 nm. This structure of the molecule explains the melting point and boiling point of this acid, which are 42 and 158 degrees, respectively. The degree of oxidation of nitrogen in the compound is not the highest or lowest. This means that nitrous acid can exhibit both oxidative and reducing properties. When heating its solution, nitric acid (its chemical formula HNO3), nitrogen dioxide NO, colorless poisonous gas, and water are formed. Its oxidative properties are manifested in the reaction with hydroiodic acid (water, iodine and NO are formed). The reductive reactions of nitrous acid are reduced to the production of nitric acid. When reacting with hydrogen peroxide, an aqueous solution of nitric acid is formed. Interaction with strong manganese acid leads to the isolation of an aqueous solution of manganese nitrate and nitric acid. Nitrogen acid, when ingested, causes mutagenic changes, i. E. various mutations. It causes a qualitative or quantitative change in chromosomes.

Nitrous acid salts

Nitrous acid salts are called nitrites. They are more resistant to high temperatures. Some of them are toxic. When reacting with strong acids, they form sulfates of the corresponding metals and nitrous acid, which is displaced by stronger acids. Many nitrites are used in the manufacture of certain dyes, as well as in medicine. Sodium nitrite is used in the food industry (additive E250). It is a hygroscopic powder of white or yellowish color, which is oxidized in air to sodium nitrate. It is capable of killing bacteria and preventing oxidation processes. Due to these properties, it is used in medicine as an antidote for poisoning people or animals with cyanides.

Tip 2: How to drink folic acid during pregnancy

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is involved inexchange processes, is responsible for the formation of blood cells and stimulates the digestive system. During pregnancy, the need for it increases. Deficiency of the vitamin can cause anemia, malformations in the fetus, placental insufficiency, and sometimes even miscarriage.

Instructions

Vitamin B9 is involved in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, and this process begins as early as the third week Of pregnancy. In it time a woman may not yetposition, and deficiency of folic acid will cause irreparable harm to the embryo. That's why start taking the vitamin from the first day of the menstrual cycle, and better - 2-3 months before the planned conception. This will compensate for the existing deficit and will have a beneficial effect on your well-being. If the pregnancy is unplanned, but you decide to keep it, start taking folic acid from the first days of the delay.

Drink three times a day on a tablet of folic acid. Up to 12 weeks Of pregnancy Is the minimum necessary dose of the drug. Even if you take complex vitamins, which contain folic acid, do not reduce its dosage. Excess of the vitamin is excreted by the kidneys without any harm to the body, so you can drink it without fear.

After 12 weeks Of pregnancy, when all the organs and systems of the fetus are formed, the need for folic acid decreases. Reduce the intake of the drug to one tablet per day.

If you have anemia or placental insufficiency, increase the dosage of folic acid to 2-3 tablets per day. Drink it in time food intake or immediately after it.

Folic acid is absorbed in the intestine, sofrom its work depends on the assimilation of much-needed vitamin. Daily use of sour-milk products. They contain bifido- and lactobacilli, which improve the digestive process and normalize the intestinal microflora.