| Formula / Notation | HNO3 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 7697-37-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 63.013 |
| Melting Point | -44 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Boiling Point | 181 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Density | 1.5 at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | Miscible (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Nitric acid, other than red fuming appears as a pale yellow to reddish brown liquid with reddish brown vapors and a suffocating odor. Very toxic by inhalation. Corrosive to metals or tissue. Accele... |
| Also Known As | 7697-37-2; Azotic acid; Aqua fortis; Salpetersaeure; Nital; HNO3; Acide nitrique; Acidum nitricum; Nitricum acidum; Nitrous fumes |
| Category | Acids |
What is Nitric acid?
Nitric acid is a nitrogen oxoacid of formula HNO3 in which the nitrogen atom is bonded to a hydroxy group and by equivalent bonds to the remaining two oxygen atoms. It has a role as a reagent and a protic solvent. It is a conjugate acid of a nitrate.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: nitric acid
Other Names / Synonyms: 7697-37-2; Azotic acid; Aqua fortis; Salpetersaeure; Nital; HNO3; Acide nitrique; Acidum nitricum; Nitricum acidum; Nitrous fumes
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -44 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Boiling Point | 181 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Density | 1.5 at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 63.013 |
| Solubility | Miscible (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Nitric acid, other than red fuming appears as a pale yellow to reddish brown liquid with reddish brown vapors and a suffocating odor. Very toxic by inhalation. Corrosive to metals or tissue. Accele... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitric acid is a nitrogen oxoacid of formula HNO3 in which the nitrogen atom is bonded to a hydroxy group and by equivalent bonds to the remaining two oxygen atoms. It has a role as a reagent and a protic solvent. It is a conjugate acid of a nitrate.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Nitric acid is: HNO3