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Nitric acid is one of the most important chemical compounds used in a variety of ways in industry and households. As a diluted solution, it offers numerous applications, from cleaning and degreasing to chemical processes. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the properties and applications of nitric acid solution.

Chemical Properties of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid, also known as aqua fortis, is a strong inorganic acid with the chemical formula HNO₃. It is colorless, corrosive, and has a characteristic pungent odor. In concentrated form, nitric acid is highly reactive and must be handled with great care.

Diluted nitric acid solutions are significantly less hazardous and are used in many industries as well as in households. The concentration of the solution can vary depending on the intended use, typically ranging between 5% and 20%.

Applications of Nitric Acid Solution

Cleaning and degreasing

One of the main applications of diluted nitric acid is the cleaning and degreasing of surfaces. The acid effectively dissolves organic contaminants such as oils, fats, and deposits. Therefore, it is used in cleaning agents for industry and households, for example, to clean metal, glass, or ceramic surfaces.

Nitric acid plays an important role in surface treatment, especially in the metal industry. It is used for degreasing, pickling, and passivating metals to prepare them for subsequent coating or finishing processes.

Chemical processes

Besides cleaning, diluted nitric acid is also used in various chemical processes. It serves as an oxidizing agent, catalyst, or reactant in organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry.

Examples include the production of dyes, explosives, pharmaceuticals, or fertilizers. Nitric acid is also used in electroplating and metal processing, for example in metal pickling or alloy production.

Further Applications

Furthermore, nitric acid is used as a laboratory chemical, for example, for sample analysis or the production of other chemical compounds. It also plays a role in agriculture, for example as a preservative for animal feed.

In the household, diluted nitric acid can be used for cleaning sanitary facilities, kitchen surfaces, or dishes. However, special care is required here, as nitric acid is corrosive and can react with other chemicals.

Safe handling of nitric acid solution

As with all chemicals, caution is required when handling nitric acid solution. Although diluted solutions are less dangerous than concentrated ones, improper handling can lead to burns and injuries.

Basically, the following safety measures should be observed:

• Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and aprons.
• Work in well-ventilated rooms or under a fume hood to avoid vapors.
• Always dilute nitric acid carefully by slowly adding the acid to water, not the other way around.
• Store nitric acid solution safely and out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of residues and waste properly in accordance with applicable regulations.

With the right safety measures, nitric acid solution can be used safely and effectively in many areas of application. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool in industry and household.

Conclusion

Nitric acid solution is a powerful and versatile chemical product with numerous applications. From cleaning and degreasing to chemical processes, the diluted acid offers a variety of uses in industry and household.

However, handling nitric acid requires special precautions. By following basic safety rules, the acid can be used safely and effectively. ChemMarkt.de offers you a wide range of nitric acid solutions in various concentrations to meet your individual needs.

So don't hesitate to take a closer look at our range of nitric acid products. Our team of chemistry experts is happy to advise you on the right solutions for your applications.