Which one of the following nitrogen oxides may dimerize?
A.N₂O
B.NO₂✓ Correct
C.N₂O₃
D.N₂O₅
Explanation
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a paramagnetic molecule with an unpaired electron on the nitrogen atom. Due to this unpaired electron, two NO₂ molecules can pair up to form dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄), which is a diamagnetic dimer. This dimerization equilibrium (2NO₂ ⇌ N₂O₄) is well-known and is temperature-dependent. N₂O (nitrous oxide), N₂O₃ (dinitrogen trioxide), and N₂O₅ (dinitrogen pentoxide) are already even-electron species or dimers themselves and do not undergo simple dimerization like NO₂.
💡 Practice unlimited NDA PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →
Want more NDA practice?
Free daily 10-Q quiz · adaptive mocks · 4,000+ verified PYQs · AI doubt solver in Hindi + English