Posts Tagged "HNO3"

Nitric Acid – a dangerous but very useful tool.

Good old Nitric acid (HNO3) also known as Aqua Fortis or Spirit of Nitre. Nitric acid is categorized as a strong oxidizing agent, meaning that it does not typically donate its proton. We all know that any acid has a pH of less than 7. Commercial grade nitric acid typically has a pH of –1.4 as opposed to vinegar that falls around pH 3. No bonus points for guessing that Nitric acid oxidizes just about anything non metallic to its highest oxidation state. Metals are often passivated, i.e. oxidized to the extent where a corroded layer forms a capsule around the metal protecting it from further...