Chlorine nitrate explained

Chlorine nitrate, with chemical formula ClONO₂ is an important atmospheric gas present in the stratosphere. It is an important sink of reactive chlorine and nitrogen, and thus its formation and destruction play an important role in the depletion of ozone.^[1]

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Chemical properties

It explosively reacts with metals, metal chlorides, alcohols, ethers, and most organic materials. When it is heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of Cl₂ and NO_x.

Synthesis and reactions

It can be produced by the reaction of dichlorine monoxide and dinitrogen pentoxide at 0 °C:^[2]

Cl₂O + N₂O₅ → 2 ClONO₂

or by the reaction:^[3]

ClF + HNO₃ → HF + ClONO₂

It can also react with alkenes:

(CH₃)₂C=CH₂ + ClONO₂ → O₂NOC(CH₃)₂CH₂Cl

Chlorine nitrate reacts with metal chlorides:^[4]

4 ClONO₂ + TiCl₄ → Ti(NO₃)₄ + 4 Cl₂

Notes and References

1. von Clarmann . Thomas . Johansson . Sören . Chlorine nitrate in the atmosphere . Atmos. Chem. Phys. . 2018 . 18 . 20 . 15363–15386 . 10.5194/acp-18-15363-2018. free . 2018ACP....1815363V .
2. Schmeisser, M.; Ruff, J. K. & Lustig, M. Chlorine(1) Nitrate

   Inorganic Syntheses, Wiley-Blackwell, https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470132401.ch34, 1967, 127-130

3. Schack. Carl J.. 1967-10-01. New synthesis of chlorine nitrate. Inorganic Chemistry. 6. 10. 1938–1939. 10.1021/ic50056a047. 0020-1669.
4. Book: 《无机化学丛书》第六卷：卤素、铜分族、锌分族. P338-341. 张青莲. 7-03-002238-6. 北京. 科学出版社. 1991.