4. 碟仙says: Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) and mercury (Hg) are primarily related through chemical reactions and laboratory applications. Here are the key points:
Redox Reaction
Sodium nitrite in acidic conditions (e.g., with hydrochloric acid) forms nitrous acid (HNO₂), which decomposes to produce nitric oxide (NO). NO can react with mercury to form stable mercury nitrosyl (Hg(NO)₂), a reaction used in laboratory tests (e.g., the mercury nitrite test) to detect nitrites.
Mercury Pollution Treatment
Sodium nitrite can act as a reducing agent, converting toxic mercury ions (Hg²⁺) into less harmful elemental mercury (Hg⁰), aiding in the removal of mercury from wastewater.
Precautions
Mercury is highly toxic, requiring strict safety measures when handling.
Sodium nitrite itself is toxic, and excessive intake can cause methemoglobinemia.
Summary: The relationship between sodium nitrite and mercury mainly involves chemical reactions (e.g., detection and analysis) and environmental remediation, but both substances must be handled with caution due to their toxicity.
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