nitric acid properties

Oxidizing Properties - Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. When it undergoes thermal decomposition, it yields nascent oxygen as follow..

Pure nitric acid is a colourless liquid. But commercial nitric acid may be yellowish brown, due to the presence of dissolved nitrogen dioxid..

Pure nitric acid is a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Impure acid or pure acid on standing develops yellow color due to the presence of dissolved oxides of nitrogen (mainly NO 2 ). It is completely soluble in water and forms a constant boili..

Thermal stability - On heating, HNO 3 decomposes to give NO 2..

Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. When it undergoes thermal decomposition, it yields nascent oxygen as follows: ..

Nitric acid is a strong acid. In moderately dilute solution (~ 0.1 M) it is dissociated to an extent of about 93%, in accordance with the reaction, It decomposes carbonates and bicarbonates as:..

Tests for Nitric Acid and the Nitrates - Various tests for nitric acid and nitrates are mentioned bel..

Johann Glauber (1604-1668) prepared nitric acid by heating nitre with concentrated sulphuric acid and then condensing the vapour. While Henry Cavendish determined the composition of nitric acid, Lavoisier proved that oxygen is present in nitric..

Nitric acid can be prepared by distilling a mixture of a nitrate salt with concentrated sulphuric acid. As nitric acid is a volatile acid it can be expelled by a stronger but less volatile acid such as concentrated sulphuri..

Nitric acid from Air - Nitric acid can also be prepared entirely from the air. Air free from moisture and carbon dioxide is subjected to an electric arc whose temperature is around 3000 o C. At this temperature, nitrogen and oxygen of the air combine to form ..