What Are Nitrates and Nitrites?

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

• Describe what nitrates and nitrites are

Nitrates and nitrites can be categorized into inorganic and organic forms based on their chemical structure. There are similarities and differences between these two chemical forms that affect their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and their subsequent biologic effects in humans. This course will focus on inorganic nitrates.

Inorganic nitrate (NO₃-) and nitrite (NO₂-) are water soluble (as a result of their interaction with the positively charged portions of polar water molecules) (Figure 1) and commonly exist as salts of nitric acid and nitrous acid, respectively. They are often bound to a metal cation such as Na+ or K+ and occur naturally through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen as part of the environmental nitrogen cycle (the cyclic movement of nitrogen in different chemical forms from the environment, to organisms, and then back to the environment as illustrated in Figure 2).

Inorganic nitrites are also produced endogenously through oxidation of nitrous oxide (NO) formed from the enzymatic degradation of L-arginine and through the reduction of nitrate with xanthine oxidoreductase [Omar et al. 2012; Jansson et al. 2008; Rhodes et al. 1995; Leaf et al. 1989; Green et al. 1981].

The organic forms of nitrates and nitrites are more complex and most are synthesized medicinal products (except ethyl nitrite) [Omar et al. 2012]. See Table 2. Organic nitrates are small non-polar hydrocarbon chains attached to a nitrooxy-radical (-ONO₂; -ONO for amyl and ethyl nitrite). The addition of aliphatic or aromatic groups of variable length and volume affect the lipophilic properties of these molecules [Thatcher et al. 2004]. It has been suggested that for some molecules, the greater the number of -ONO₂ groups, the greater its potency [Wenzel et al 2007] (the potency being dependent on the molecule’s lipophilicity).

Figure 1. Structures of Nitrate and Nitrite Ions

Nitrate (CAS: registry number: 14797-55-8)

Nitrite (CAS Registry Number: 14797-65-0)

Figure 1. Adapted from [ATSDR 2006 Appendix E].

• Nitrates and Nitrites exist in organic and inorganic forms.
• The chemical form affects the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of nitrates and nitrates.
• Inorganic nitrates and nitrites are generally more water soluble than organic nitrates and nitrates.
• Inorganic nitrates and nitrites are produced endogenously and exogenously.
• Organic nitrates and nitrites are mostly synthesized medicinal products.
• Organic nitrates and nitrites are generally more complex and lipophilic than inorganic nitrates and nitrites.