Nitric acid (HNO3), also known as aqua fortis (Latin for "strong water") and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
Nitric acid (HNO3), also known as aqua fortis (Latin for "strong water") and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
Nitric acid (HNO3), also known as aqua fortis (Latin for "strong water") and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
Nitric acid (HNO3), also known as aqua fortis (Latin for "strong water") and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
CHEMISTRY SUMMARY
Pure acid (98% conc.) is colourless, suffocating and sour to taste. It is heavier than water, with a specific gravity of 1.54. Boiling point is 86°C, and freezing point is −42°C
(B) Chemical Properties
Pure nitric acid is colourless, unstable and decomposes slightly even at room temperature and in the presence of sunlight. 4HNO3 → 4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 Nitric acid is a very strong monobasic acid and ionises almost completely in aqueous solution. HNO3 H+ + NO3− Nitric acid neutralises alkalis to form salt and water. CaO + 2HNO3 Ca (NO3)2 + H2O
CuO + 2HNO3
Cu (NO3)2 + H2O
NaOH + HNO3
NaNO3 + H2O Nitric acid reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to produce salt, water and carbon dioxide. Na2CO3 + 2HNO3 2NaNO3 + H2O + CO2
NaHCO3 + HNO3 NaNO3 + H2O + CO2
Nitric acid oxidises carbon, sulphur and phosphorus to their highest oxides or oxy-acids such as carbon dioxide, sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid. C + 4HNO3 2H2O + 4NO2 + CO2 S + 6HNO3 H2SO4 + 2H2O + 6NO2 P4 + 20HNO3 4H3PO4 + 4H2O + 20NO2 Cold and dilute nitric acid oxidises metals to their nitrates and liberates nitric oxide. 3Cu + 8HNO3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2H2O + 2NO2
3Zn + 8HNO3
3Zn (NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO2 Concentrated nitric acid liberates nitrogen dioxide. Cu + 4HNO3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2H2O + 2NO2 Zn + 4HNO3 Zn (NO3)2 + 2H2O + 2NO2 Nitric acid (1 part by volume) mixed with conc. hydrochloric acid (3 parts by volume) produces a mixture called aqua regia. HNO3 + 3HCl NOCl + 2H2O + 2[Cl] Aqua regia contains nascent chlorine and reacts with noble metals such as gold and platinum to produce chlorides. Pt + 4[Cl] PtCl4
Au +3[Cl] AuCl3
Uses of Nitric Acid
To etch designs on copper and brassware because it acts as a solvent for several metals except the noble metals. To purify gold with impurities of Cu, Ag and Zn which dissolve in nitric acid. It acts as a rocket fuel oxidant. In preparation of fertilisers such as Ca(NO3)2 and NH4NO3. In the preparation of aqua regia, which dissolves noble metals.
