What are the main uses of nitric acid?
You must know that nitric acid is considered a highly corrosive mineral acid that has a planar structure. It is quite a popular acid that is colourless and fuming. It is mainly used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and explosives. The nitric acid compound is colourless, but it acquires a yellow cast when the samples get older or due to decomposition. The scientific formula for nitric acid is HNO3, as it is bonded to two oxygen atoms and a hydroxyl group. The nitric acid fumes are characterized by red colouration, highly toxic with an acrid and choking odour.
The best thing about Nitric acid is that it is very soluble in water. It
is also a strong oxidizer and is considered a good conductor of electricity.
But the liquid form of Nitric acid is corrosive to tissue, plastic, and also
metals. Hence while you are handling Nitric acid, be cautious and use the
proper PPE for better handling. The melting point of nitric acid is -42 °C, and
the boiling point is 83 °C. With the new use of nitric acid, there are patents
that are being developed regularly.
Top five best uses of Nitric Acid in different industries
The importance of nitric acid is rising in multiple industries and
processes due to its strong presence and effective use. Some of the best uses
of nitric acid are mentioned below:-
- It is
particularly used for the production of fertilizer by combining ammonia
with nitric acid. These two products combined form ammonium nitrate, which
makes a great fertilizer for effective use on the farm.
- It is
also used in packing and paperboard as nitric acid is considered the
common component of an adhesive. Hence it works perfectly in food
packaging and paperboard.
- Nitric
acid could be used to clean and purify the metals. Some of the common
metals that can be purified through nitric acid are gold, platinum, and
silver.
- It can
also be used to create many types of explosives like trinitroglycerin and
nitroglycerin.
- Nitric
acid could also be used for furniture coating or varnish by adding the
coloured pigment to the acid for a better coating process.
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