NITRIC ACID

CAS No.	7697-37-2
Chemical Formula	HNO3
Mol. Wt.	63

Standard Specification

Total Acidity A HNO3	59.0 %w/w
Nitrous Acid As HNO2	100 ppm
Chloride As Cl	20 ppm
Sulphate as H2SO4	20 ppm
Residue on Ignition	250 ppm
Flouride as F	100.00 max
Ca and Mg	50.00 max
Heavy Metals as Pv (Lead)	10.00 max
Arsenic as F	1 max
Colour	Water White

Chemical Properties

Nitric acid is a strong monoprotic acid, meaning it can donate a single proton (H⁺ ion) per molecule. Its chemical structure consists of one nitrogen atom, three oxygen atoms, and a hydrogen atom. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).

Physical Properties:

Density	Its density is approximately 1.42 g/cm³.
Boiling Point	Nitric acid has a boiling point of around 83 °C (181 °F).
State	Nitric acid is a colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent and acrid odor.

Production

Nitric acid is commonly produced through the Ostwald process, which involves several steps:

Ammonia Oxidation	Ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized with air in the presence of a catalyst (platinum or rhodium gauze) to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gas and water vapor.
Absorption	Nitrogen dioxide gas is then dissolved in water to form nitric acid and nitrogen monoxide (NO) through a series of chemical reactions.
Nitrogen Monoxide Oxidation	Nitrogen monoxide (NO) is further oxidized with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which is then recycled back into the absorption step.

Uses

Nitric acid
has several important applications across industries:

Fertilizer Production	It’s a key component in the production of ammonium nitrate and other nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Explosives	Nitric acid is used in the manufacture of explosives like nitroglycerin and TNT.
Oxidizing Agent	It serves as a strong oxidizing agent in various chemical processes and laboratory procedures.
Metallurgy	Nitric acid is used for etching and passivating stainless steel and other metals.
Dye and Pigment Production	It’s used in the production of dyes, pigments, and inks.
Pharmaceuticals	Nitric acid is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and other compounds.
Electronics Industry	It’s used for cleaning and etching semiconductor materials and electronic components.
Rocket Fuel	Nitric acid is used as an oxidizer in certain liquid rocket propellants.
Safety Considerations	Nitric acid is highly corrosive and poses significant health and safety risks. Direct contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes can cause severe burns. Inhalation of its vapors can lead to respiratory irritation and other health issues. It’s important to handle nitric acid with proper protective equipment, ventilation, and safety precautions.

In conclusion, nitric acid is a versatile and powerful chemical with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its corrosive nature and potential hazards underscore the importance of proper handling and adherence to safety guidelines when working with this chemical.