Peroxynitric acid or peroxonitric acid is a

chemical compound A chemical compound is a chemical substance composed of many identical molecules (or molecular entities) containing atoms from more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds. A molecule consisting of atoms of only one element ...

with the formula . It is an

oxyacid An oxyacid, oxoacid, or ternary acid is an acid that contains oxygen. Specifically, it is a compound that contains hydrogen, oxygen, and at least one other element, with at least one hydrogen atom bonded to oxygen that can dissociate to produce ...

of nitrogen, after peroxynitrous acid.

Preparation

Peroxynitrate, the conjugate base of peroxynitric acid, is formed rapidly during decomposition of

peroxynitrite Peroxynitrite (sometimes called peroxonitrite) is an ion with the formula ONOO−. It is a structural isomer of nitrate, Preparation Peroxynitrite can be prepared by the reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide: : It is prepared by the react ...

in neutral conditions.

Atmospheric chemistry

Peroxynitric acid is formed in the atmosphere, although it is unstable, it is important as a reservoir for NO₂ through the reversible radical reaction: : +

References

Nitrogen oxoacids Peroxy acids Nitrogen(V) compounds {{inorganic-compound-stub