Dinitrogem tetraoxide `(N_(2)O_(4))` is a mixed anhydride because it

Options

A. is a mixture of `N_(2)O_(3) and N_(2)O_(5)`
B. Decomposes into two oxides of nitrogen
C. Reacts with water to form nitric acid
D. Reacts with water to form two oxy acids

Answer

To determine why dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) is considered a mixed anhydride, we can analyze its properties and reactions step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dinitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄)**:
- Dinitrogen tetroxide is a chemical compound composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Its molecular formula is N₂O₄.

2. **Dimerization**:
- N₂O₄ can be understood as a dimer of another nitrogen oxide, specifically N₂O₂. This means that two N₂O₂ molecules combine to form one molecule of N₂O₄.

3. **Decomposition**:
- Dinitrogen tetroxide can decompose into two different nitrogen oxides, specifically N₂O₃ (dinitrogen trioxide) and N₂O₅ (dinitrogen pentoxide). This decomposition is a crucial aspect of its behavior.

4. **Reaction with Water**:
- When N₂O₄ is dissolved in water, it reacts to form two different acids: nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrous acid (HNO₂). This reaction shows that N₂O₄ can yield products that are derived from different nitrogen oxides.

5. **Definition of Mixed Anhydride**:
- A mixed anhydride is defined as a compound that can produce more than one type of acid upon reaction with water. Since N₂O₄ can yield both nitric acid and nitrous acid, it fits this definition.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) is classified as a mixed anhydride because it can decompose into different nitrogen oxides and react with water to form a mixture of acids (HNO₃ and HNO₂).

### Final Answer:
Dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) is a mixed anhydride because it can decompose into N₂O₃ and N₂O₅ and reacts with water to form both nitric acid and nitrous acid.

---