Definition of Nitric Acid

The chemical formula of this compound is HNO3. It is a liquid with appearance variable, since it can be colorless or yellow. It is a water soluble compound and although it is not fuel can speed up combustion of some materials. Moreover, it is a compound inorganic very toxic and that allows the corrosion of certain fabrics and metals. It is formed from the oxidation of ammonia.

Nitric acid can break down and generate nitrogen oxides, which are especially toxic when there is an increase in temperature. The first historical references to this substance date from the 11th century.

A very powerful oxidizing agent with very diverse uses

Some explosives like nitroglycerin and TNT are made from nitric acid. It is also used to prepare organic nitrates that are used as nitrogen fertilizers for certain crops.

Some metals such as aluminum or stainless steel are superficially protected by this substance (the process that is carried out is known as passivation).

In the etching technique used in engraving, artists use plates or sheets that are treated with this acid. It is also used in the restoration of bronze objects and

It is also used in some industrial sectors, especially in the manufacturing of electronic boards and in the metallurgical sector.

It is used in the pharmaceutical industry, in the manufacture of dyes and inks and in the elaboration of ammonium nitrate. Nitrocellulose plastics also contain small amounts of nitric acid.

In ancient printing presses it was used as an oxidizing agent in the preparation of lithographs.

A substance that must be handled with a rigorous safety protocol

Like other chemicals, it has some health risks. Being an irritant product, it can cause burns and ulcers when it comes into contact with the skin. Inhaling it is potentially harmful to the respiratory system and people who inhale its vapors on a regular basis are at higher risk of laryngeal cancer. On the other hand, it causes erosion in the teeth and causes eye irritation.

To avoid any health risk, it is recommended that nitric acid be stored in a dry and cold place with adequate ventilation. The containers where this product is kept can be made of stainless steel, aluminum or protected glass.

Fotolia photos: ollaweila and molekuul / Koirill