3. Industrial Applications

Mining and Metallurgy Sector

It is a critical reagent for ore processing:

• Leaching: Used to dissolve precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) in mixtures such as aqua regia (HNO3 + HCl mixture).

• Metal Refining: Purification of copper and silver.

• Etching and Pickling: Cleaning of metal surfaces and preparation of stainless steel (passivation).

• Fertilizer Industry (Major)

• More than 75% of the world's nitric acid production is used to manufacture ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), used as a nitrogen fertilizer for agriculture.

4. Strengths and Advantages

• Versatility: It acts as both an acid and an oxidant, reducing the number of reagents required in some complex processes.

• Dissolving Efficiency: Capable of dissolving almost all metals (except gold and platinum, unless mixed).

• Nitration Yield: This is the most direct and least expensive method for introducing nitrogen into organic compounds.

• Residue Biodegradability: In the form of diluted nitrates, residues can be recovered or treated more easily than some heavy salts.

⚠️ Safety and Handling

Nitric acid causes severe skin burns (characteristic yellow discoloration of the skin due to the xanthoprotein reaction). It must be handled in a fume hood with full personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nitric acid (HNO3) is one of the most important mineral acids in the chemical industry. It is a highly corrosive agent, a powerful oxidant, and an essential intermediate in many production lines.

1. Technical Specifications and Properties

• Pure nitric acid is a colorless liquid, but it often turns yellow or brown over time due to decomposition into nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

• Chemical formula: HNO3

• Molar mass: 63.01 g/mol

• Density: Approximately 1.51 g/cm³ (for the pure form).

• Typical concentrations: Commercial acid: 68% (azeotropic with water).

• Fuming acid: > 86% (emits reddish-brown NO2 fumes).

• Solubility: Completely miscible in water with an exothermic reaction (release of heat).

2. Chemical Aspect and Reactivity

Nitric acid is distinguished by two major chemical behaviors:

• Strong Acid: It dissociates almost completely in water, making it extremely effective for attacking metals and adjusting pH.

• Powerful Oxidizing Agent: Unlike hydrochloric acid, it can oxidize base metals (such as copper or silver) by releasing nitrogen oxides rather than hydrogen.

• Nitroating Agent: When mixed with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), it forms the nitronium ion (NO₂⁺), ​​which can attach nitro groups to organic molecules.

Contact us

Ready to optimize your production? Our experts are available to analyze your specific needs.