Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization
HNO3 + KOH → KNO3 + H2O
Overview
Nitric acid reacts with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium nitrate and water. This is a strong acid-strong base neutralization yielding a neutral salt. Potassium nitrate is one of the oldest known chemical compounds, historically called saltpeter.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Nitric Acid HNO₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Potassium Hydroxide KOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Potassium Nitrate KNO₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) has been used for centuries in food preservation, particularly in curing meats, and as a key ingredient in gunpowder.
Industrial Importance
Potassium nitrate is used in fertilizers, fireworks, food preservation, and as a heat transfer fluid in concentrated solar power plants.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -57.1 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization?
The balanced equation is: HNO₃ + KOH → KNO₃ + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization?
Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization is a acid-base reaction.
Is Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization exothermic or endothermic?
Nitric Acid and Potassium Hydroxide Neutralization is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -57.1 kJ/mol.