Chemistry of Nitric Acid Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the pH of nitric acid at room temperature?

3.5

0.15 (correct)

7.0

1.5

What family does nitric acid belong to?

Sulfate

Iodide

Nitrate (correct)

Chlorate

What property of nitric acid causes it to easily donate electrons to other substances?

High reactivity with water

Low boiling point

Weak acidity

Strong oxidizing property (correct)

What industrial application involves converting a hydrocarbon to a nitro compound using nitric acid?

Nitration Signup and view all the answers

What safety precautions should be taken when handling nitric acid?

Wearing protective clothing and storing it in a cool, well-ventilated area Signup and view all the answers

What does nitric acid react with metals to form?

Nitrate Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in case of an accidental spill or splash of nitric acid?

Rinse the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of nitric acid's oxidizing properties in the textile industry?

As a bleach Signup and view all the answers

Which industrial application involves the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose?

Manufacturing of explosives Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazardous substance that requires careful handling due to its strong acidity and oxidizing properties?

Nitric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the boiling point of nitric acid?

205°C Signup and view all the answers

What type of compound does nitric acid form when it reacts with amines?

Nitrosamines Signup and view all the answers

How is nitric acid prepared in the final step of the production process?

By the reaction of nitrogen dioxide and water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances can nitric acid oxidize?

Sulfur Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the uses of nitric acid in the automotive industry?

In the production of nitrocellulose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary product when nitric acid reacts with aromatic compounds like benzene?

Nitrobenzene Signup and view all the answers

Which property of nitric acid makes it suitable for various chemical reactions?

Strong oxidizing agent Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

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.