I understand my ammonia is toxic to fish, ammonia is toxic to a lot of living things, but what makes nitrite and nitrate so different? The only thing separating them is one oxygen atom.
In: Chemistry
That one oxygen atom changes the shape, structure, and function.
For example Nitrates are used in many fertilizers and explosives. Nitrites are used in food preservation.
Nitrates form strong acids and nitrates form weaker acids.
That one extra oxygen atom in Nitrates makes a huge difference.
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