Viscosity of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula HNO₃. It is also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.

Most commercially available nitric acid has a concentration of 68%. When the solution contains more than 86% it is referred to as fuming nitric acid.

Nitric acid is the primary reagent used for nitration - the addition of a nitro group typically to an organic molecule. While some resulting nitro compounds are shock- and thermally sensitive explosives, a few are stable enough to be used in munitions and demolition. Others are still more stable and used as pigments in inks and dyes. Nitric acid is commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent.

RoyMech