Why is $N_2O_5$ not widely used as a laboratory reagent? On the other hand, why is $P_2O_5$ , and $CaO$ , and $H_2SO_4$ widely used?

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Answer 1 · 2017-04-14T09:05:31

Because we could not put $N_2O_5$ into a bottle........

$P_4O_10$ , and $CaO$ are both solids that we could conveniently deploy with a spoon. $H_2SO_4$ , as a liquid, is a little bit less convenient.

But $N_2O_5$ is not something you could put in a bottle; it is also pretty unstable stuff, and would be used with caution..........

Why is N_2O_5N_2O_5 not widely used as a laboratory reagent? On the other hand, why is P_2O_5P_2O_5, and CaOCaO, and H_2SO_4H_2SO_4 widely used?