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What are the major uses of nitric acid?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
A labeled diagram of a periodic table entry for nitrogen shows its atomic number 7, symbol N, electron configuration, atomic weight, and name. Symbols indicate nitrogen is a nonmetal gas at room temperature, has a hexagonal crystal structure, and strongly acidic higher-valence oxides. A key explains the diagram's icons and color coding.
nitrogen

Nitric acid (HNO3) is a vital industrial chemical with several major applications:

  • Fertilizer Production: Its most significant use is the production of ammonium nitrate, a primary component in fertilizers used to support agricultural growth.123
  • Explosives: Nitric acid is essential for manufacturing various explosives through the process of nitration. Key products include nitroglycerin, trinitrotoluene (TNT), and nitrocellulose. It is also involved in the production of priming compositions and detonating agents.123
  • Chemical Synthesis and Industrial Processes: As a strong acid and powerful oxidizing agent, it is used to oxidize metals into nitrates or oxides. It serves as a precursor for dyes, plastics, and drugs, as well as in the production of coatings and lacquers.1243
  • Laboratory Reagent: It is a common reagent used in laboratories for various chemical reactions, including the dissolution of metals.24