Nitric Acid, also known as aqua fortis and hydrogen nitrate, is a highly corrosive and toxic strong mineral acid widely used across industrial, agricultural, and chemical manufacturing applications. Its chemical formula is HNO3 and its CAS number is 7697-37-2. Nitric acid is colorless in its pure form but develops a yellowish appearance over time due to the accumulation of nitrogen oxides. It is a strong oxidizing agent used primarily in the production of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and chemicals, as well as in metallurgy and specialty industrial processes.
Nitric Acid is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with a one-week lead time. It is supplied in bulk, totes (IBC tanks), and drums.
TCC’s Nitric acid is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with one (1) week lead time. Please call (401) 360-2800 for details. Nitric acid is shipped in bulk, totes (IBC tanks) and drums.
Nitric Acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive and toxic strong mineral acid. Ordinary nitric acid has a concentration of 68%. When the solution contains more than 86% HNO3, it is referred to as fuming nitric acid. Depending on the concentration of nitrogen dioxide present, fuming nitric acid is further characterized as white fuming nitric acid or red fuming nitric acid at concentrations above 95%.
Pure anhydrous nitric acid (100%) is a colorless liquid with a density of 1.512 g/cm³ that solidifies at -42°C and boils at 83°C. Anhydrous nitric acid should be stored below 0°C to avoid decomposition. Commercial grade nitric acid solutions are typically between 52% and 68% nitric acid.
Nitric acid ionizes readily in solution, forming a good conductor of electricity. It reacts with metals, oxides, and hydroxides to form nitrate salts. When combined with hydrochloric acid, it forms aqua regia, a reagent capable of dissolving gold and platinum.
Nitric acid is produced industrially via the Ostwald process, in which anhydrous ammonia is oxidized to nitric oxide in the presence of a platinum or rhodium catalyst at approximately 500K and 9 bar of pressure. Strong nitric acid is produced by dissolving additional nitrogen dioxide in 68% nitric acid in an absorption tower.
Nitric acid is used in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizers, making plastics, and in the manufacture of dyes. It is also used for making explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT. When it is combined with hydrochloric acid, an element called aqua regia is formed. This is a reagent that is capable of dissolving gold and platinum. Additionally, it is used in a colorimetric test to distinguish heroin and morphine.
Nitric acid is commonly used in science laboratories at schools for experimenting when specifically testing for chloride. This is accomplished by adding a sample with silver nitrate solution and nitric acid to test if a white precipitate, silver chloride is present. In the field of medicine, nitric acid is used in its pure state as a caustic to remove chancres and warts. Diluted solutions are used in the treatment of dyspepsia.
Nitric acid has been used in various forms as the oxidizer in liquid–fueled rockets. These forms include red fuming nitric acid, white fuming nitric acid, mixtures with sulfuric acid, and forms with HF inhibitor.
Additional industries and applications include:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Nitric Acid |
| CAS Number | 7697-37-2 |
| Molecular Formula | HNO₃ |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, suffocating |
| Concentration (commercial) | 52–68% |
| Boiling Point | 83°C (anhydrous) / 78.2°C (pure) |
| Density | 1.512 g/cm³ (anhydrous) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Stability | Decomposes on exposure to light and heat; store below 0°C (anhydrous) |
Nitric Acid is available in a range of packaging formats to meet your operational needs:
Custom packaging and supply solutions are available based on your application and volume requirements.
Nitric Acid is most commonly used in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizers and in the manufacture of explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT. It is also widely used in the production of dyes, plastics, and chemicals, as well as in metallurgy, metal etching, and laboratory analysis.
Commercial grade nitric acid is typically between 52–68% concentration. When the solution contains more than 86% HNO3, it is referred to as fuming nitric acid. Fuming nitric acid is further classified as white fuming nitric acid (WFNA) or red fuming nitric acid (RFNA) depending on the concentration of nitrogen dioxide present.
The CAS number for Nitric Acid is 7697-37-2.
Yes. Nitric Acid is extremely corrosive and toxic. Direct contact can cause severe chemical burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It should always be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and acid-resistant clothing in a well-ventilated area.
Nitric Acid is produced industrially via the Ostwald process, in which anhydrous ammonia is oxidized to nitric oxide in the presence of a platinum or rhodium catalyst at approximately 500K and 9 bar of pressure. The nitric oxide is then further oxidized and absorbed in water to produce nitric acid.
Nitric Acid is available in drums, totes (IBC tanks), and bulk quantities throughout the continental United States with a one-week lead time. Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options and supply chain updates.
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