Nitric Acid

Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong mineral acid that is colorless in its pure form but takes on a yellow or reddish hue over time as it decomposes into nitrogen oxides.

It is a very strong oxidizing agent. It reacts violently with almost all metals except gold and platinum.

Industrially, it is largely produced by the catalytic oxidation of ammonia via the Ostwald process.

•Used to separate silver and gold (gold refining) as it is a component of aqua regia.

•It is a very effective corrosion remover for cleaning and polishing hard metals (especially stainless steel).

✓The vast majority of produced nitric acid is used in the synthesis of ammonium nitrate (a very potent agricultural fertilizer).

✓It is an intermediate raw material for adipic acid used in nylon production.

✓The fundamental building block of powerful explosives like TNT, nitroglycerin, and RDX in the defense industry.