Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
NITRIC ACID (HNO
3
)
Properties
Pure 100% nitric acid is a colorless liquid when first
prepared, but turns yellow when exposed to light.
Has a choking odor. It is a strong, so-called
oxidizing acid which under the right conditions will
react energetically with virtually all organic
compounds; will usually attack all metals except
aluminum and some stainless steels. Very hazardous
chemical.
Commercial grades
Reagent grade nitric acid is 68-71% in water. Grades
over 80% are called “fuming” nitric acid. Special
concentration blends are available.
Uses
The largest use is in the manufacture of fertilizers. It
is also used to make one of the raw materials for
nylon, virtually all gunpowder and explosives
(nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, TNT, ammonium
nitrate, etc.) and the starting materials for
polyurethane elastomers and paints.
Manufacture
Ammonia is burned over a catalyst to a mixture of
nitrogen oxides which when reacted with water
produces nitric acid.
+
NO
2
nitrogen
dioxide
+
H
2
O
NH
3
ammonia
O
2
air
NO
2
+
H
2
O
HNO
3
Producers
Coyne Chemical, General Chemical, El Dorado
Chemical, La Roche Industries, Los Angeles
Chemical, J.R. Simplot Co.
Nitric acid is the principal reagent (chemical reactant) used to introduce
nitrogen into other chemicals for not only the uses listed but also for dye
and pharmaceutical intermediates, agricultural chemicals, and many others.
This process is called
nitration
. Under conditions other than those used for
