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Ostwald process
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Ostwald process

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The Ostwald process is a method for producing nitric acid (HNO₃) through the catalytic oxidation of ammonia. Developed by German chemist Wilhelm Ostwald in 1901, the process involves oxidizing ammonia gas with air or oxygen over a platinum gauze catalyst. This creates nitric oxide, which is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen dioxide is then absorbed in water to form nitric acid. This industrial method is crucial for manufacturing fertilizers and explosives.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. nitric acid
  2. Wilhelm Ostwald

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