inorganic chemistry - What is the difference between the structure of nitrito-o and nitrito-n?

I am preparing for chemistry olympiad and I am stuck nitrito-o and nitrito-n. Can anyone explain difference between the structure of nitrito-o and nitrito-n or point a resource which is suitable for a beginner?

Answer

The last letter of nitrite-o and nitrite-n depicts the atom which is attached to the other atom. This phenomenon is called linkage isomerism and is an important concept in both organic and inorganic chemistry.

• inorganic chemistry

This complex exhibits linkage isomerism which results in two possible ways of attachment of ligand to the central atom. First one, the $\ce{NO2}$ ligates with the central atom through the nitrogen atom and thus is called pentaammine nitrito-N-cobalt (III) chloride and the second one, $\ce{NO2}$ ligates with the central atom through the oxygen atom and thus is called pentaammine nitrito-O-cobalt (III) chloride. In this case, $\ce{NO2}$ is called ambident ligant and is represented as nitrito-κ-N and nitrito-κ-O, replacing the old system of trivial names such as nitro and nitroso.

• organic chemistry

Alkyl nitrite forms two isomers:- $\ce{RNO2}$ (called alkyl nitrite-N) and $\ce{R-O-N=O}$ (called alkyl nitrite-O). [For preparation of these two isomers, see this answer].