What makes NaNO2 a strong electron acceptor?

[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:)

[Sam]

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:)

Nitrogen in intermediate oxidizing states is very chemically reactive and therefore NaNO₂ is a strong oxidizing agent. Nitrogen in the highest oxidizing state as in is kinetically inert (as in NaNO₃).