Expert: Reza Foudazi - 8/14/2007

Question
Hello, this may sound a little basic but I’m not sure... If (theoretically possible) there were free N and O atoms in the same vicinity would they be more likely to pair up with themselves or each other... and why? If they are more likely to pair up with each other is there a way I could separate them easily or catalyze them to combine more readily with themselves instead?

Answer
Hi,
this depend on the bonding energy, there may several imanatory way to react with each other, but one will be done which needs lower energy.
you can see this in clasic chemstry books like Mortimer. (I may not write the right spell)
regards,
Reza