Final answer:
The reaction between concentrated nitric acid and phosphorus pentoxide forms dinitrogen pentoxide, a neutral oxide. Dinitrogen pentoxide then reacts with water to produce nitric acid, which confirms its neutral nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical nature of the nitrogen oxide compound obtained from a reaction of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10) is determined by the dehydration reaction between these two substances. When phosphorus pentoxide reacts with nitric acid, particularly in a 4:1 ratio, the product formed is dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), which is a neutral oxide. According to the equation:
P4O10(s) + 4HNO3 (l) → 4N2O5(s) + 2H2O(g),
dinitrogen pentoxide reacts with water to form nitric acid, as shown in the following reaction:
N2O5 (s) + H2O(l) → 2HNO3(aq)
Given that N2O5 does not exhibit acidic or basic properties, it is characterized as a neutral oxide. The informational content provided in the references about equilibrium reactions, nitrogen dioxide, and dissociation of dinitrogen tetroxide underlines the dynamic nature of nitrogen oxides and their chemical behavior under different conditions.