The Mercury-Sensitized Reaction Between Hydrogen and Nitric Oxide

Abstract

The reaction of hydrogen atoms with nitric oxide has been studied by mercury sensitization of various mixtures of hydrogen and nitric oxide to produce nitrogen and water. The rate at constant nitric oxide pressure is proportional to the hydrogen at low hydrogen pressures, the effect diminishing at higher concentrations. With a given hydrogen concentration nitric oxide is almost without effect until an excess is present when it shows a retardation. At constant total pressure a maximum rate occurs with a particular excess of hydrogen. A mechanism based on HNO radicals has been postulated. These radicals decompose by a wall reaction to give nitrous oxide which is rapidly reduced to nitrogen.