Nitric Acid

HNO₃

IUPAC: Nitric acid

CAS: 7697-37-2

Overview

Nitric acid is a highly corrosive strong acid used in fertilizer and explosives production. Combined with hydrochloric acid, it forms aqua regia.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070
Oxygen O 3 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
1.6%
N
Nitrogen ×1
22.2%
O
Oxygen ×3
76.2%

Uses

  • • Fertilizer production
  • • Explosives (TNT, nitroglycerin)
  • • Metal etching
  • • Aqua regia component

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Aqua regia (HNO₃ + HCl) can dissolve gold and platinum, which resist other acids

Safety

  • ⚠ Highly corrosive
  • ⚠ Strong oxidizer
  • ⚠ Produces toxic NOₓ fumes

Structure

SMILES

[N+](=O)(O)[O-]

Properties

Type
acid
State
liquid
Molar Mass
63.01 g/mol
Density
1.5100 g/cm³
Melting Point
-42.0 °C
Boiling Point
83.0 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
62.9956
XLogP
0.2
TPSA
66.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
24.0

Related Compounds

Acetic Acid

CH₃COOH

Boric Acid

H₃BO₃

Carbonic Acid

H₂CO₃

Chloric Acid

HClO₃

Chlorosulfonic Acid

ClSO₃H

Chlorous Acid

HClO₂

Hydrobromic Acid

HBr

Hydrochloric Acid

HCl

Hydrofluoric Acid

HF

Hydrogen Cyanide

HCN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nitric Acid?
Nitric Acid (HNO₃) is a acid compound with the IUPAC name Nitric acid.
What is the molecular weight of Nitric Acid?
Nitric Acid has a molar mass of 63.01 g/mol.
What state is Nitric Acid at room temperature?
Nitric Acid is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Nitric Acid organic or inorganic?
Nitric Acid is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Nitric Acid?
Nitric Acid (HNO₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).