Non-Reactivity of Nitrogen with Hot Concentrated Sulphuric Acid

Introduction:
Sulphuric acid is a strong oxidizing agent and can react with many elements. However, there are some elements that do not react with it. Nitrogen is one such element. This article explains why nitrogen does not react with hot concentrated sulphuric acid.

Explanation:
When concentrated sulphuric acid is heated, it undergoes dehydration and produces sulphur trioxide and water. The sulphur trioxide then reacts with the remaining acid to form oleum (H2S2O7). This process is highly exothermic and can generate a lot of heat and fumes.

Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not readily react with other elements. It is also non-metallic and does not have any free electrons to donate or share with the acid. Therefore, nitrogen does not react with hot concentrated sulphuric acid.

On the other hand, elements like antimony, phosphorus, and arsenic are more reactive and can react with concentrated sulphuric acid to form their respective oxides. Antimony reacts with the acid to form antimony trioxide, phosphorus reacts to form phosphorus pentoxide, and arsenic reacts to form arsenic trioxide.

Conclusion:
In summary, nitrogen does not react with hot concentrated sulphuric acid because it is an inert gas and lacks free electrons. On the other hand, elements like antimony, phosphorus, and arsenic are more reactive and can react with the acid to form their respective oxides.