Nitrous acid acts as an oxidizing as well as reducing agent while nitric acid don't why
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There are 5 electrons in
valence shell of N so it can
either gain 3(-3 oxidation
state) electron or at most
loose 5(+5 oxidation state)
electrons to gain the octet of
electron.In nitric acid
oxidation state of N is +5
which is maximum hence it
can gain the electrons only
and can be oxidizing agent.
while in nitrous acid oxidation
state of N is +3 so it can gain
or loose electron hence can be
oxidant or reductant both.
valence shell of N so it can
either gain 3(-3 oxidation
state) electron or at most
loose 5(+5 oxidation state)
electrons to gain the octet of
electron.In nitric acid
oxidation state of N is +5
which is maximum hence it
can gain the electrons only
and can be oxidizing agent.
while in nitrous acid oxidation
state of N is +3 so it can gain
or loose electron hence can be
oxidant or reductant both.
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