Ostwaldoxidációs

Ostwaldoxidációs is a chemical process used for the production of nitric acid. It involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia. The process begins with the oxidation of ammonia with air or oxygen over a platinum-rhodium catalyst at high temperatures, typically around 800-950 degrees Celsius. This reaction yields nitric oxide (NO) and water.

The nitric oxide is then further oxidized in the air to nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Subsequently, the nitrogen dioxide reacts with water in an absorption tower to form nitric acid (HNO3) and nitric oxide, which is recycled back into the process. The overall reaction can be summarized in several steps, with the key transformations involving ammonia, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and finally nitric acid.

Wilhelm Ostwald, a German chemist, pioneered this method, which is now the primary industrial route for manufacturing nitric acid worldwide. Nitric acid is a vital chemical intermediate used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and various organic compounds. The efficiency and scalability of the Ostwald process have made it indispensable for modern industrial chemistry. Variations of the process exist, primarily differing in reactor design and operating conditions, but the fundamental chemistry remains the same.