Industrial Applications of Nitric Acid

Posted on Nov 3, 2024 in Chemistry

From the Standpoint of Industrial Life

Nitric acid (HNO3) is one of the most important acids in industrial processes. Here’s how HNO3 is used in various industries:

  • Fertilizer Industry: Used in the production of fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.
  • Explosives: A key component in the manufacturing of explosives like nitroglycerin and TNT (Trinitrotoluene).
  • Metallurgy and Refining: Utilized due to its reactivity with most metals.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Employed in various chemical synthesis processes.
  • Laboratory Reagent: Commonly used in laboratory settings.

Chemical Fertilizers

Fertilizers are typically mixtures of compounds designed to address soil deficiencies and meet crop needs.

  1. Conventional Mineral Fertilizers: Widely used in agriculture and lawns.
  2. Slow-Release Fertilizers: Dissolve slowly, providing a gradual release of nutrients to plant roots.
  3. Organic Fertilizers: Mixtures of organic matter and mineral nutrients (Nitrogen, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, etc.).
  4. Foliar Fertilizers: Sprayed directly onto plants as a supplement to soil fertilization.
  5. Shortcomings Correctors: Applied through foliar spraying, irrigation water, or soil addition, following manufacturer instructions.
  6. Other: Specialized fertilizers for specific plants like roses, geraniums, and lawns.

Cement Industries

Positive Impact:

  • Improved process technology.
  • Reuse of some waste materials (excluding kiln dust, which is used in asphalt, filling, and soil maintenance).

Negative Impacts:

  • Environmental damage occurs during material storage, oven and cooling processes, and slag processing.
  • Transportation of powdered materials contributes to environmental pollution.

Inorganic Chemical Industries

Inorganic Chemistry:

The study of the formation, composition, structure, and chemical reactions of elements and inorganic compounds (e.g., sulfuric acid, calcium carbonate), excluding those with carbon-hydrogen bonds (organic chemistry).

The Chemical Industry:

While the development of industrial chemical processes has fueled economic growth, the manufacturing of these products poses risks to human health and the environment.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a colorless gas composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. It is lighter than air, has a pungent odor, and irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. It has a caustic taste, dissolves easily in water, and evaporates quickly. It is typically sold in liquid form.

Industrial Production of Ammonia:

Ammonia is produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter and is also manufactured industrially. The industrial production of ammonia nearly equals the amount produced naturally.

Ammonia in the Environment:

Ammonia is present in air, soil, water, plants, and animals. It doesn’t persist in the environment for long as it is quickly absorbed by plants, bacteria, and animals.

Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is made by mixing nitric anhydride (N2O5) and water. Industrially, it is produced through the synthesis of ammonia and oxygen using a platinum alloy catalyst.

Physical Properties:

Pure nitric acid is a colorless, viscous, and corrosive liquid. Impurities often give it a yellow-brown color. At room temperature, it may release red or yellow smoke. Concentrated nitric acid stains human skin yellow due to a reaction with cysteine in the skin’s keratin.

Chemical Properties:

  • Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. Reactions with compounds like cyanides, carbides, and metallic powders can be explosive.
  • It decomposes readily, producing nitrogen oxides.
  • Reacts with alkalis, oxides, and basic substances, forming salts.
  • Attacks most metals (except platinum and gold). Aluminum and chromium become passive, showing minimal reaction. Some metals are converted to oxides (e.g., arsenic, antimony, tin), while others form nitrates.