Nitric Acid (HNO₃)- 2.5 Litres
Key Features:
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Chemical Formula: HNO₃.
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Concentration: Commercial nitric acid is usually available in concentrations ranging from 68% (fuming nitric acid) to 98% (concentrated form).
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Appearance: A colorless to pale yellow liquid that turns yellow due to the formation of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) when exposed to air.
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Odor: Has a strong, pungent smell, characteristic of oxidizing acids.
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Properties: A strong acid and a powerful oxidizer, capable of reacting with a wide variety of metals, organic compounds, and other chemicals.
Use in Laboratory:
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Oxidizing Agent: Nitric acid is widely used for oxidation reactions in organic chemistry and industrial processes.
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Synthesis: It is used in the production of nitrates, such as ammonium nitrate (used in fertilizers and explosives) and nitro compounds in pharmaceuticals.
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Etching and Cleaning: Nitric acid is used for etching metals, such as in the production of printed circuit boards or cleaning stainless steel surfaces.
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Titration: It is used in analytical chemistry for acid-base titrations and redox reactions.
Safety:
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Highly corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin. It also produces toxic fumes, so proper ventilation (such as a fume hood) is required.
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Always use protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and acid-resistant aprons, when handling nitric acid.
