Reaction between Formic Acid and Nitrogen Dioxide

Abstract

DURING a study of a series of compounds of general formula R′R″CO with nitrogen dioxide, we have investigated the reaction of formic acid with nitrogen dioxide. The reaction was carried out using a cylindrical ‘Pyrex’ glass reaction vessel (volume ∼ 158 c.c., surface area ∼ 167 cm.²) and was followed by measurement of the increase of total pressure, and photometric estimation of nitrogen dioxide. Analyses of the final products were carried out as required using standard techniques described previously¹. Initial pressures of 0–100 mm. each reactant were used, most of the experiments being carried out at 220° C. Under these conditions, nitrogen dioxide is very little associated² or dissociated³, and formic acid is almost completely present as the monomer⁴.