Nitric Acid Overview
Nitric Acid Overview Nitric acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid that plays a crucial role in various industrial processes and laboratory applications. Here's an overview of nitric acid, covering its properties, uses, production, and safety considerations: ** 1. Chemical Properties:** - Formula: HNO3 - Molecular weight: 63.01 g/mol - Appearance: Colorless liquid - Odor: Pungent and suffocating - Density: Approximately 1.51 g/cm³ - Boiling point: 83 °C (181.4 °F) - Melting point: -42 °C (-43.6 °F) **2. Production :** - Nitric acid is commonly produced through the Ostwald process, which involves the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), followed by the absorption of NO2 in water to form nitric acid. - Another method involves the react...