Nitratgruppen

Nitratgruppen, also known as the nitrate group, is a polyatomic ion with the chemical formula NO3-. It consists of a central nitrogen atom covalently bonded to three oxygen atoms. The ion carries a formal charge of -1. The nitrate ion is planar and has resonance structures where the negative charge is delocalized over the three oxygen atoms. This resonance contributes to the stability of the ion.

Nitrate is the conjugate base of nitric acid (HNO3), a strong acid. It is a common component of many inorganic salts, such as sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). These nitrate salts are often soluble in water. Nitrate plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, a biogeochemical process essential for life. It is a major form of nitrogen assimilated by plants and is also involved in denitrification, where microorganisms convert nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen.

In industrial applications, nitrates are used in fertilizers, explosives, and as oxidizers. For example, potassium nitrate is a key ingredient in gunpowder. High concentrations of nitrate in drinking water can be a health concern, particularly for infants, as it can lead to methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome." Environmental pollution with nitrates from agricultural runoff and sewage can also contribute to eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems.