lämmastikhapet

Lämmastikhapet, also known as nitric acid, is a highly corrosive mineral acid with the chemical formula HNO₃. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that fumes in air. In its pure form, it is unstable and can decompose, especially when exposed to light or heat. Commercial nitric acid is typically produced as an aqueous solution, commonly with concentrations ranging from 30% to 70% by weight.

The primary method for industrial production of nitric acid is the Ostwald process, which involves the catalytic oxidation of ammonia. This process yields nitric oxide, which is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, and then absorbed in water to form nitric acid. Another historical method, the Birkeland-Eyde process, involved fixing atmospheric nitrogen using an electric arc, but this is less energy-efficient and therefore less common today.

Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent and a potent acid. It reacts vigorously with many organic and inorganic compounds, and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and other tissues. Due to its corrosive nature, it must be handled with extreme care, using appropriate personal protective equipment.

The applications of nitric acid are widespread. It is a key component in the production of fertilizers, particularly ammonium nitrate, which is essential for agriculture. It is also used in the manufacturing of explosives, such as nitroglycerin and TNT, as well as in metallurgy for etching and refining metals. Furthermore, nitric acid finds use in the production of dyes, polymers, and as a laboratory reagent for various chemical reactions, including nitration and oxidation.