Peroxynitric acid

Peroxynitric acid or peroxonitric acid is a chemical compound with the formula. It is an oxyacid of nitrogen, after peroxynitrous acid.

Preparation

Peroxynitrate, the conjugate base of peroxynitric acid, is formed rapidly during decomposition of peroxynitrite in neutral conditions.

Atmospheric chemistry

Peroxynitric acid is formed in the atmosphere, although it is unstable, it is important as a reservoir for through the reversible radical reaction:

Stability

The pure compound decomposes explosively at. Solutions in water or acetic acid of over 70% concentration decompose autocatalytically with resulting explosions.