Monograph of Nitric Acid Part I

Proper handling and storage:

Nitric Acid should be stored in glass bottles, away from substances like turpentine, carbides, fulminates, picrates, chlorates, metallic powders, and combustible materials. Containers should be protectedagainst mechanical damage, as these are hazardous. Nitric acid is an oxidizer and should not be in contact with canisters or cartridges that contain oxidizable materials. Dispose empty containers properly, as these retain residues.

Wear impervious clothing like boots, gloves, goggles, and laboratory gown to prevent skin contact. Never use hot water. Add substance slowly and in small amounts. Addition of nitric acid to water can cause spattering and violent water. Always add acids to water and not the other way around. Work in a well-ventilated environment and with a fully-operational eye wash fountain and quick drench facilities.

Synonyms: 

• Hydrogen Nitrate, spirit of niter, aqua fortis
• CAS number: 7697-37-2
• Molecular formula: HNO3
• Molar mass: 63.01 g. mol-1
• Exact mass: 62.995642903 g. mol-1
• Density: 3.382 g/cm3 (25°C)
• Melting point: -42°C
• Boiling point: 87°C
• Decomposition point: 240°C
• Saturation concentration: 7,200 ppm (20°C); 9,300 ppm (20°C)
• Viscosity: 0.0076 P (25°C)
• Vapor density: 2.5 (air=1)
• Vapor pressure: 48 mmHg (20°C)
• Surface tension: 60.7 erg/cm2 (20°C)
• Refractive index: 1.39717 (14°C)
• Dipole moment: 2.17 D
• pKa/pKb: strong acid
• Thermal expansion: 0.00033/K (-96°C)
• Heat of fusion: 2.5 kJ/mol.
• Heat of vaporization: 39.1 kJ/mol.

Concentrated Nitric Acid

Concentrated nitric acid, or HNO3, is a strong oxidizing agent. Ahighly corrosive and toxic substance, it is also known as spirit of nitre or aqua fortis (L. “strong water”).Concentrated nitric acid is usually colorless, but older samples tend to aquire a yellow cast due tonitrogen oxide accumulation. It is a mobile liquid and is completely soluble with water.

Handling and Storage:

Protect substance against mechanical injury from containers. Separate nitric acid from turpentine,combustible materials, carbides, metallic powders, fulminates, picrates, and chlorates. It should not alsocome in contact with cartridges and canisters that contain oxidizable materials like activated charcoal.

Wear protective clothing like lab coat, gloves, boots, and full-face shield prior to handling. Eliminateall sources of ignition. Use product in a well-ventilated area. Always add slowly and in small amounts.Add acids to water and not the other way around. Adding to water releases heat which may causesplattering and boiling, so never use hot water. Dispose empty containers of this substance as they may
be hazardous.