It is very explosive and detonates even when rubbed with a glass rod. Ignites with solid KOH. Sometimes, it decomposes spontaneously, seemingly without cause. Readily soluble in alcohol; less soluble in ether, chloroform and benzene; slightly soluble in ligroin.
Ether, dehydrated over Na wire, is saturated with dry HCl, cooled and treated with Ag2N2O2 until the yellow colour of the latter persists. Complete exclusion of atmospheric moisture is required. The solution is rapidly filtered through a dry filter into a crystallization dish placed in a desiccator. To accomplish this, the addition funnel is connected to a tube in the lid of a desiccator provided with a side vent. A small dish with KOH pellets and another with a small amount of concentrated H2SO4 is put in the desiccator. The desiccator is then rapidly evacuated. Hyponitrous acid separates immediately.
