Highly corrosive and colorless (or yellowish when concentrated), nitric acid is commonly produced by heating potassium nitrate with sulfuric acid. It was in 1776 when it was determined that it contained oxygen and that was courtesy of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier. Its chemical composition was eventually established in 1816 by Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac and Claude-Louis Berthollet.
But more than the technical terms and scientists associated with it, we should look at how this kind of acid is used in our society. One of its primary uses is in the production of fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate. Thus, it plays a role in agriculture and plant industry, which further play important roles in the production of food. The substance is also commonly used in the jewelry industry. The substance, when combined with hydrochloric acid, forms Aqua Regia which is one of those few reagents that have the capability to dissolve important metals such as gold and platinum. Moreover, in between 1940 and 1965, it was often used as an oxidizer in liquid-propellant rocket engines.
The chemical substance is also used in:
1. the manufacture of explosives such as trinitrotoluene (T.N.T);
2. the manufacture of nitrate salts in the likes of calcium nitrate and silver nitrate;
3. the production of dyes, perfumes, fungicides, and certain drugs;
4. etching designs on copper, brass, and bronze wear; and
5. reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels.
Together with the various uses of the chemical product is the question regarding how it can affect the environment and our health, for that matter. Well, it may get into the environment as a breakdown of nitrogen dioxide. As you might have already known, nitrogen dioxide is one common pollutant from industrial and commercial processes. The pollutant can readily form nitric acid, in the presence of water. Because of the chemical product’s highly reactive properties, however, it does not build up in plant or animal tissues. Moreover, its presence in the environment does not necessarily mean that you readily get exposed to it. Apparently, it adversely affects the health when you come into contact with it.
Improper use and handling of the substance can have health effects and can lead to accidents and we surely would not want that to happen. Thus, certain safety measures must be taken when handling or using the chemical product. One thing that must be taken into consideration is that it is one powerful oxidizing agent; hence, its reactions with compounds just like carbides, cyanides, and metallic powders can be explosive. Another thing to remember when handling the substance is to always wear safety glasses. Gloves made of butyl rubber, neoprene, or polyethylene are suitable if you are handling solutions at concentrations of up to 70%. Make sure that there is good ventilation available, especially when the acid used is concentrated. Do not expose to direct sunlight; it must be stored in a cool, dry, and a ventilated storage place whose floor is acid resistant. Moreover, large amounts of the acid must be neutralized before disposing it.
There are certain first aid measures that can be taken when accidents take place, though. If someone swallows the substance, for instance, give a large amount of water or milk, never ever induce vomiting, and immediately obtain medical help. If it comes in contact with your skin or eyes, on the other hand, immediately flush skin or the affected eye with large quantity of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove the contaminated clothing and shoes and seek for medical attention immediately.
Nitric acid can be used in several ways, indeed. However, we must not forget that it is our responsibility to use it properly and responsibly.
Author Resource:-
Jo is a writer for ‘ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd’ (http://www.reagent.co.uk), a well-known UK stationed chemical producer that makes, stocks and supplies an enormous variety of premium chemicals. If your company is searching for superior quality chemical product for example Nitric Acid or has other industrial compound requirements then take a look at ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.
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