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Initially, nitric acid was known as aqua fortis meaning strong water. Glauber, in 1658,
prepared nitric acid. In 1776, Lavoisier proved that nitric acid contained oxygen. Later in
1784, Cavendish determined its composition.
Occurrence
Nitric acid occurs both in free and combined state. In the free state, traces of nitric add
are formed in the air during lightning discharge.
4NO2 + O2 + 2H2O → 4HNO3
In the combined state, nitric acid occurs as its salts like calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2],
Chile salt pare (NaNO3), Bengal salt pare (KNO3), etc.
Preparation
In the laboratory, nitric acid is prepared by heating potassium nitrate or sodium
nitrate with concentrated sulphuric acid in a retort.
<200°C
KNO3+H2SO4(conc.) → KHSO4 + HNO3
<200°C
NaNO3 +H2SO4(conc.) → NaHSO4 + HNO3
Commercially, nitric acid is manufactured by catalytic oxidation of ammonia in a
process called the Ostwald process.
Physical Properties
Pure nitric acid (98%) is a colourless liquid, whereas commercial nitric acid (68%) is
yellowish brown in colour.
It has an irritating choking smell and tastes sour.
It is highly corrosive and non-poisonous.
It is highly soluble in water.
Specific gravity of pure nitric acid is 1.54, whereas specific gravity of commercial
acid is 1.42.
It boils at 86°C and freezes to a white solid having a melting point of-42°C.
Chemical Properties
Nitric acid is unstable to heat and light. At a higher temperature, it decomposes to give
a yellow solution evolving a reddish brown gas nitrogen dioxide.
∆
4HNO3 → 2H2O + 4NO2 + O2
Nitric acid is a very strong monobasic acid.
HNO3(aq) ⇋ H+ + NO3 −
Nitric acid liberates carbon dioxide in the reaction with metallic carbonates.
CaCO3 + 2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2↑
Nitric acid neutralizes basic oxides forming metallic nitrates and water.
CuO + 2HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + H2O
Nitric add neutralizes alkalis forming metallic nitrates.
NaOH + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O
Nitric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent, i.e., it accepts electrons. It oxidizes certain
non-metallic elements.
C+4HNO3(conc.) → CO2 + 2H2O+4NO2↑
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Study Materials
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 to 12 (Math & Science)
Revision Notes for Class 6 to 12 (Math & Science)
RD Sharma Solutions for Class 6 to 12 Mathematics
RS Aggarwal Solutions for Class 6, 7 & 10 Mathematics
Important Questions for Class 6 to 12 (Math & Science)
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 9, 10 & 12 (Math &
Science)
Important Formula for Class 6 to 12 Math
CBSE Syllabus for Class 6 to 12
Lakhmir Singh Solutions for Class 9 & 10
Previous Year Question Paper
CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Question Paper
CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Paper
JEE Main & Advanced Question Paper
NEET Previous Year Question Paper
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