[redfox]

Just wondering why sodium nitrite is a stronger electron acceptor than sodium nitrate?
When metronidazole is given to treat bacterial infections, it accepts electrons from them and in exchange gives them an oxygen. When you add in sodium nitrite it inhibits the function of metronidazole accepts an electron from the bacteria and oxidises it in return. Can anyone tell me why this happens but sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) doesn't do that please??

Ta:)

[AWK]

Just wondering why sodium nitrite is a stronger reducing agent than sodium nitrate?

Sodium nitrate(V) cannot be a reducing agent at all since its nitrogen atom shows a highest allowed oxidation number for nitrogen. Such a comparison is a nonsense.
Metronidazole is reduced by a ferredoxine system, and the reduced form of metronidazole only shows activity.  Nitrate(III) strongly complexes iron cations, hence metronidazole cannot be reduced and cannot show its activity.

[redfox]

I wrote reducing agent meaning electron acceptor...got it the wrong way round! Thanks for feedback tho

[redfox]

In tests done with nitrite present metronidazole is not reduced, but with nitrate present it is reduced...hence nitrite is the stronger electron acceptor

[AWK]

In tests done with nitrite present metronidazole is not reduced, but with nitrate present it is reduced...hence nitrite is the stronger electron acceptor

Nitrate(V) do not complex iron in ferredoxine