Nitric acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive mineral acid and is also commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent. Nitric acid is normally considered to be a strong acid at ambient temperatures. Nitric acid can be made by reacting nitrogen dioxide (NO2(g) with water.
3NO2(g)+H2O(l)→2HNO3(ag)+NO(g)
Nitric acid reacts with most metals, but the details depend on the concentration of the acid and the nature of the metal. Dilute nitric acid behaves as a typical acid in its reaction with most metals (e.g., nitric acid with magnesium, manganese or zinc will liberate H2H2 gas):
Mg+2HNO3→Mg(NO3)2+H2
Mn+2HNO3→Mn(NO3)2+H2
Zn+2HNO3→Zn(NO3)2+H2
Nitric acid is a corrosive acid and a powerful oxidizing agent. The major hazard it poses is chemical burn, as it carries out acid hydrolysis with proteins (amide) and fats (ester) which consequently decomposes living tissue (Figure 14.2.214.2.2). Concentrated nitric acid stains human skin yellow due to its reaction with the keratin
