Nitric Acid
What is Nitric Acid?
Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid and powerful oxidizing agent that is miscible with water. It is manufactured industrially by the Ostwald process — catalytic oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide, followed by oxidation to nitrogen dioxide and absorption in water. Nitric acid is used in the production of fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), explosives (TNT, nitroglycerin), dyes, and in metal etching and refining.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid and powerful oxidizing agent that is miscible with water. It is manufactured industrially by the Ostwald process — catalytic oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide, followed by oxidation to nitrogen dioxide and absorption in water. Nitric acid is used in the production of fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), explosives (TNT, nitroglycerin), dyes, and in metal etching and refining.