Products
Nitric acid is available in pharmacies and drugstores in various concentrations.
Structure and properties
Nitric acid (HNO3, Mr = 63.0 g/mol) exists as a clear to nearly colorless liquid with a pungent odor that is miscible with water. It may turn yellowish in color. Various concentrations exist. These include:
- Fuming nitric acid: from about 85%.
- Concentrated nitric acid: 69% (68% to 70%, m/m).
- Nitric acid 65%
- Diluted nitric acid: 25%
Effects
Nitric acid has corrosive, lytic, corrosive, oxidizing and oxidizing properties. It is one of the strongest acids with a pKa of -1.4, but it can also react as a base. Its density is greater than that of water. The salts of nitric acid are called nitrates (saltpeter). They include, for example, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. They are used, among other things, as food additives for preserving meat and sausages (pickling). They can be produced with an acid-base reaction:
- ENT3 (nitric acid) + KOH (potassium hydroxide) KNO3 (potassium nitrate) + H2O (water)
Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent and oxidizes many metals, but not gold or platinum. Therefore, gold can be tested for authenticity with the acid. However, if the nitric acid is mixed with hydrochloric acid, the aqua regia is formed, with which even gold can be dissolved.
Fields of application (selection)
- For the synthesis of the active ingredient nitroglycerin.
- As a reagent.
- For synthetic chemistry (nitro group, nitration).
- For the production of nitrate fertilizer.
- Numerous technical applications.
- Medicinal for the treatment of warts (suitable preparations!).
Abuse
Nitric acid can be misused for the illegal production of explosives. For this purpose, it is mixed with sulfuric acid, which produces the so-called nitrating acid. Explosives made with nitrating acid include cellulose nitrate, nitroglycerin, picric acid and TNT. Nitric acid is one of the precursors for explosives.
Adverse effects
Nitric acid has irritant and corrosive properties and can cause severe burns to the skin, respiratory tract and eyes if used improperly. Therefore, the information in the safety data sheet must be strictly observed. Protective clothing, gloves and goggles should be worn when working with nitric acid. The vapors must not be inhaled. Nitric acid also has oxidizing and oxidizing properties and should be kept away from combustible materials. Ingestion is life threatening.
