332. The nitrous acid–tributyl phosphate complex

Tributyl phosphate extracts nitrous acid almost quantitatively from aqueous solutions./The spectrum, from 320 to 400 m mu , shows the enhanced fine structure characteristic of molecular nitrous acid and of alkyl nitrites. Distribution data indicate a 1: 1 complex, STABu/sub 3/PO/sub 4/,HO NO!, and infrared spectra that the hydrogen-bonding to the phosphoryl-oxygen atom modifies the bonding in nitrous acid toward an ionic structure. (auth)