1. -3 (Nitride): Nitrogen exhibits an oxidation number of -3 in compounds where it forms a triple bond with a metal, resulting in the formation of nitride ions (N^3-). For example, in sodium nitride (Na3N).
2. +1 (Ammonium and Hydroxylamine): Nitrogen has an oxidation number of +1 in compounds like ammonium salts (NH4+), where it is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It also shows a +1 oxidation state in hydroxylamine (NH2OH).
3. +2 (Hydrazine and Diazonium): In hydrazine (N2H4), nitrogen exhibits an oxidation number of +2. Additionally, nitrogen has a +2 oxidation state in diazonium salts (RN2+).
4. +3 (Hydrazoic acid): Nitrogen has an oxidation number of +3 in hydrazoic acid (HN3), where it forms a covalent bond with three hydrogen atoms.
5. +4 (Nitrogen dioxide, Nitrate): In nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrate ions (NO3-), nitrogen has an oxidation number of +4, indicating it has lost four electrons or has four bonds to more electronegative atoms.
6. +5 (Nitric acid, Nitro compounds): Nitrogen shows an oxidation number of +5 in nitric acid (HNO3) and nitro compounds (R-NO2), where it forms covalent bonds with oxygen atoms and is bonded to a carbon atom.
It's important to note that the oxidation number of nitrogen can vary in different compounds and contexts. The actual oxidation state of nitrogen in a specific compound or molecule should be determined based on its chemical bonding and the distribution of electrons.
