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Questions and Answers
What is the pH of nitric acid at room temperature?
What is the pH of nitric acid at room temperature?
What family does nitric acid belong to?
What family does nitric acid belong to?
What property of nitric acid causes it to easily donate electrons to other substances?
What property of nitric acid causes it to easily donate electrons to other substances?
What industrial application involves converting a hydrocarbon to a nitro compound using nitric acid?
What industrial application involves converting a hydrocarbon to a nitro compound using nitric acid?
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What safety precautions should be taken when handling nitric acid?
What safety precautions should be taken when handling nitric acid?
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What does nitric acid react with metals to form?
What does nitric acid react with metals to form?
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What should be done in case of an accidental spill or splash of nitric acid?
What should be done in case of an accidental spill or splash of nitric acid?
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What is a common use of nitric acid's oxidizing properties in the textile industry?
What is a common use of nitric acid's oxidizing properties in the textile industry?
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Which industrial application involves the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose?
Which industrial application involves the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose?
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What is a hazardous substance that requires careful handling due to its strong acidity and oxidizing properties?
What is a hazardous substance that requires careful handling due to its strong acidity and oxidizing properties?
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What is the boiling point of nitric acid?
What is the boiling point of nitric acid?
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What type of compound does nitric acid form when it reacts with amines?
What type of compound does nitric acid form when it reacts with amines?
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How is nitric acid prepared in the final step of the production process?
How is nitric acid prepared in the final step of the production process?
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Which of the following substances can nitric acid oxidize?
Which of the following substances can nitric acid oxidize?
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What is one of the uses of nitric acid in the automotive industry?
What is one of the uses of nitric acid in the automotive industry?
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What is the primary product when nitric acid reacts with aromatic compounds like benzene?
What is the primary product when nitric acid reacts with aromatic compounds like benzene?
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Which property of nitric acid makes it suitable for various chemical reactions?
Which property of nitric acid makes it suitable for various chemical reactions?
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Study Notes
Chemistry of Nitric Acid
Introduction
Nitric acid, also known as nitric(v) acid, is a strong mineral acid with the molecular formula HNO3. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent smell and is a member of the nitrate family, which also includes nitrite and nitrate. Nitric acid is an important industrial chemical and is used in various applications, including as a precursor to other nitrogen-containing compounds such as nitrates and nitrites.
Chemical Properties
Nitric acid is characterized by its strong acidity, with a pH of 0.15 at room temperature. It is also a strong oxidizing agent, meaning it can easily donate electrons to other substances. This oxidizing property is due to the presence of the nitrate ion in nitric acid. Nitric acid is highly reactive with metals, especially those in the iron family, such as iron, steel, and copper.
Reaction with Metals
Nitric acid reacts with metals through a process called nitration, where the metal's surface is converted to a nitrate. This reaction occurs because nitric acid is an oxidizing agent, and when it comes into contact with a metal surface, it donates electrons to the metal, causing it to oxidize. The nitration process can lead to the formation of a hard, blue-black, nitride coating on the metal surface. This coating helps to protect the metal from further corrosion and provides a smooth, non-sticking surface.
Safety Precautions
Handling nitric acid requires careful attention to safety precautions due to its strong acidity and oxidizing properties. Nitric acid is considered a hazardous substance and must be handled with care. Some safety precautions include:
- Personal protective equipment: Wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses, when handling nitric acid.
- Storage: Store nitric acid in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials.
- Disposal: Dispose of nitric acid in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Emergency response: In case of an accidental spill or splash, rinse the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.
Industrial Uses
Nitric acid is used in various industrial applications, including:
- Nitration: The process of converting a hydrocarbon to a nitro compound using nitric acid.
- Manufacturing of explosives: Nitric acid is used in the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose.
- Manufacturing of fertilizers: Nitric acid is used in the production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate.
- Manufacturing of dyes: Nitric acid is used in the production of certain dyes, such as azo dyes and triphenylmethane dyes.
Oxidizing Properties
As mentioned earlier, nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent due to the presence of the nitrate ion. This oxidizing property is useful in various applications, including:
- Bleaching: Nitric acid is used as a bleach in the textile industry due to its oxidizing properties.
- Disinfection: Nitric acid is used as a disinfectant in various applications due to its ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Manufacturing of other oxidizing agents: Nitric acid is used as a starting material in the production of other oxidizing agents, such as peracetic acid and persulfates.
In conclusion, nitric acid is a strong mineral acid with a wide range of applications due to its chemical properties, including its strong acidity, oxidizing properties, and reactivity with metals. Proper handling and safety precautions are essential when working with nitric acid, and it is used in various industrial applications such as manufacturing of explosives, fertilizers, dyes, and other oxidizing agents.
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Test your knowledge of the chemical properties, reactions with metals, safety precautions, and industrial uses of nitric acid with this quiz. Explore the applications of nitric acid, its oxidizing properties, and the safety measures required for handling this strong mineral acid.