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The molecular formula for nitric acid is as follows: HNO3. Under standard conditions, the physical properties of the reagent are a clear liquid with a pungent odour. Nitric acid can be heated, smoke and decompose, turning into a yellow coating.
According to its chemical properties, you can buy nitric acid in diluted and concentrated form. This chemical substance can easily interact with many metals. A particularly concentrated solution is able to interact with iron and ferrous metals, where an oxide forms on their surface to prevent the effects of acids and thus counteract their destruction. It is considered a strong oxidising agent and interacts well with water.
Nitric acid - application
Based on the above properties, it can be argued that this acid is used almost everywhere. For example, dilute nitric acid is used to clean machine tools and other equipment from scale and deposits, and in food production as an additive and for cleaning. Nitric acid is used to test milk quality. Special irrigation systems, especially drip irrigation systems, also use nitric acid to remove sediment and salts.
In jewellery workshops, this acid is used to determine the quality and purity of precious metals. Nitric acid is also used in metallurgy to dissolve metals.
In laboratories, this acid can be used to easily remove sulphuric and orthophosphoric acids. It is also a component of many fertilisers. The most important among them is nitrogen fertiliser, which is essential for plant nutrition because it is highly soluble in water and thus easily absorbed by plants. Nitric acid is also used to make liquid fertilisers.
Since it is a strong oxidising agent, it is used in the synthesis and production of rocket fuel, as well as hazardous and explosive substances.
Nitric acid is partially added to medicines and can sometimes be used externally.
When working with this substance, special attention should be paid to safe handling techniques, as it is still an acid. Therefore, you should always wear special clothing.
The acid is stored in appropriate tanks that are not exposed to air, as it can smoke.