azoti

Azoti is the Italian term for the chemical element nitrogen. It is represented by the symbol N and has atomic number 7. In its most common form, nitrogen exists as diatomic molecules (N2) in which two nitrogen atoms share a very strong triple bond, making the molecule unusually inert at ambient conditions. Nitrogen is a nonmetal and is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Atmospheric abundance and biology: About 78% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume is nitrogen. Although inert in the air, nitrogen is essential for life: it is a key component of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and many biomolecules. Plants and microorganisms fix atmospheric N2 into reactive forms such as ammonia and nitrates through biological or industrial processes, enabling incorporation into organic matter.

Occurrence, production, and compounds: Nitrogen occurs primarily in the atmosphere, but also in minerals and various compounds (nitrates, ammonium, urea, ammonium chloride, nitro compounds, etc.). Industrially, it is produced mainly by air separation or via the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen with hydrogen to produce ammonia (NH3), a cornerstone for fertilizers and many chemicals. Liquid nitrogen is widely used for cryogenics and as a shielding gas in metallurgy.

Uses and safety: Major uses include fertilizers, chemicals, electronics, and food packaging under inert atmospheres. Nitrogen itself is an asphyxiant—displacing oxygen in enclosed spaces—so proper ventilation is important. It supports combustion only by removing oxygen and does not burn or explode under normal conditions.

History: Nitrogen was isolated in 1772 by Daniel Rutherford, who called it "noxious air." The term nitrogen derives from its historical and linguistic roots; in Italian, azoto is the common term used for the element.