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Write the reactions involved in large scale preparation of nitric acid. |
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Answer» Ostwald’s process (Large scale preparation): Ostwald’s process is used to prepare nitric acid on a large scale. a. This method is based upon catalytic oxidation of NH3 by atmospheric oxygen. 4NH3(g) (Ammonia) + 5O2(g) (From air) \(\underset{500K,9bar }{\stackrel{Pt/Rh gaugecatalyst}{\longrightarrow}}\) 4NO(g) (Nitric oxide) + 6H2O(g) b. Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide 2NO(g) (Nitric oxide) + O2(g) (Oxygen) ⇌ 2NO2(g) (Nitrogen dioxide) c. Nitrogen dioxide on dissolution in water gives nitric acid. 3NO2(g) (Nitrogen dioxide) + H2O(l) (Water )→ 2HNO3(l) (Water ) + NO(g) The nitric oxide (NO) thus formed is recycled and the aqueous HNO3 is concentrated by distillation to give 68% HNO3 by mass. Further, concentration to 98% can be achieved by dehydration with concentrated H2SO4. |
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