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Nitric acid is a highly corrosive, inorganic mineral acid with the chemical formula HNO3. It’s typically sold at a concentration of 68% by volume, although stronger varieties are available. While nitric acid has a range of commercial and industrial applications, it’s primarily used in the manufacture of fertilisers as a precursor to ammonium nitrate.

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In this post, you’ll learn more about the chemistry, properties, and characteristics of nitric acid. We also consider its important industrial and environmental applications.

Introduction to Nitric Acid

The discovery of mineral inorganic acids such as nitric acid can be traced as far back as the 13th century. During this time, alchemists found ways to synthesise nitric acid from the flowers of the salt-tolerant Nitre bush, Cytrus vitriol (copper sulphate), and Yemen alum. Today, the substance is industrially produced through the Ostwald and Haber process (more on this later).

Nitric acid has a range of uses and industrial applications. However, before we look at these in more detail, let’s remind ourselves of exactly what nitric acid is.

Definition and Basic Properties of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid (HNO3) is classified as a mineral acid, which means it’s derived from inorganic compounds. The nitric acid that’s commercially available is an azeotrope with water. An azeotrope is a liquid mixture with a constant boiling point, despite the different components.

Commercially available nitric acid solutions, which are typically sold at a concentration of 68% by volume, have a boiling point of 120.5 °C. They are a colourless liquid at room temperature, although they can sometimes turn yellow over time.

The Chemistry of Nitric Acid

To understand what nitric acid is and how it is commercially used, it’s important to first understand the properties of an acid and what happens when it’s involved in a chemical reaction. We’ll then look at the chemical composition of nitric acid and its common by-products.

Characteristics of Acids

What makes an acid an acid? Well, an acid is a chemical substance that readily accepts electrons or donates protons (typically hydrogen ions) in a chemical reaction. An acid has a pH below 7 (as opposed to a base substance, which has pH of above 7.)

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale from 0 to 14. The scale indicates whether a solution of a substance either tends to donate hydrogen (proton) ions or accepts hydrogen ions.

In order to calculate the pH of an aqueous (water-based) solution, you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in terms of mole per litre. The computation is based on this formula:

pH = – log [H3O+]

Acidity and pH Scale

Nitric acid is one of the seven strong acids. All other acids are classified as weak acids, regardless of their concentration.

Strong acids are defined by their capacity to completely dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. The pH of nitric acid at 1 mM concentration is 3.01.

Reactivity Factors of Acids

Just like other chemicals, many factors influence how acids react. They include variables such as the pH level and concentration, the strength of the acid, its electronegativity, the chemical composition of both the acid and the reactant, and the polarity of the reactants.

All of these factors determine the rate at which acids react, as well as how much energy is released and the by-products of the reactions.

• Acid pH level – Each step in the scale from neutral pH 7, either lower or higher, is ten times the previous one. For example, a solution of pH6 is ten times more acidic than a solution of pH7. Conversely, a solution with a pH of 8 is ten times more basic (alkaline) than a solution with a neutral pH of 7. Therefore, acids with lower pH level are more reactive or corrosive.
• Chemical composition – Aside from the pH level, the reactivity of an acid also depends on its chemical composition. Likewise, the composition of the reactant also matters. For example, nitric acid reacts with most metals but it does not react with precious metals like pure gold.
• Electronegativity – Acid reactivity also has something to do with the electronegativity of a reactant substance, or how strongly atoms attract bonding electrons. Most metals have low electronegativity, which means that they easily give up electrons.
• Polarity – Most mineral and inorganic acids do not react and won’t dissolve in oil because oil is a nonpolar substance. This is the reason why some very corrosive acids like hydrofluoric acid are stored in plastic containers. Plastics are oil-based.

Understanding Nitric Acid

Nitric acid forms naturally during thunderstorms when the elemental nitrogen and oxygen in the air react with each other. The heat of the electron bolts facilitates the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen, forming nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide. These gases then form nitric acid when they react with the water vapour in the air.

The industrial production of nitric acid, however, requires much more precision and control. It’s mainly produced through the Ostwald and Haber process. Firstly, anhydrous ammonia is burned into nitrogen oxide, which is then oxidised by atmospheric oxygen into nitrogen dioxide. It is then passed through water to form nitric acid and the nitric oxide feedstock.

Chemical Structure of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid is a relatively simple compound containing only three elements: hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Chemically, its formula is written as HNO3.

You can see that nitrogen is at the centre and one oxygen is double-bonded with the nitrogen, while the other two oxygen atoms are single-bonded. They are in what is called a trigonal planar form (a molecular shape in which there are three bonds and no lone pairs around the central atom) while the hydrogen is attached to one of the oxygen atoms.

Each of the three oxygen atoms carries a negative 2/3 charge while the nitrogen atom carries a positive 1 charge. This arrangement is crucial in the reactivity of the compound.

When it disintegrates, nitric acid produces water and nitrogen dioxide. For instance, when nitric acid reacts with copper, the balanced chemical reaction can be written as:

4 HNO3(l) + Cu(s) ==> Cu(NO3)2(s and aq) + 2 NO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)

Nitrogen dioxide is liberated as a noxious brown gas while cupric nitrate is formed as a blue precipitate. During the reaction, the solution will first turn green, then greenish-brown before finally turning blue as it is diluted with water. Just like in other acid-metal reactions, the process is exothermic, releasing excess heat energy.

The Strength of Nitric Acid Compared

When dissolved in water, strong acids dissociate their ions completely. Nitric acid is a strong acid and it is one of the seven strong acids. All other acids are weak ones. The other strong acids are the following:

• HCl – hydrochloric acid
• H2SO4 – sulfuric acid
• HBr – hydrobromic acid
• HI – hydroiodic acid
• HClO4 – perchloric acid
• HClO3 – chloric acid

Nitric acid is present in small amounts of rain. It is commercially available at 68% concentration. It is most effective in this concentration. It’s important not to confuse acid strength with acid concentration.

A concentrated acid is more corrosive compared to diluted acid. But the measure of strength is ionic dissociation in water. Strong acids like nitric acid are more reactive this way.

Applications of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid has important roles in both our ecosystem and in industry. For example, the nitric acid that’s created naturally during thunderstorms reacts with soil minerals to form nitrates. These nitrates are used by plants to synthesise amino acids, which in turn serve as the building blocks of proteins.

When it comes to industrial applications, nitric acid is mainly used as a precursor to organic nitrogen compounds including fertilisers and explosives.

TNT, for instance, is made when nitric acid reacts with toluene to produce trinitrotoluene (preferred IUPAC name 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene), which is highly explosive.

C6H5CH3 + 3 HNO3 → C6H2(NO2)3CH3 + 3 H2O

As an oxidant, nitric acid is also essential for nylon production. The precursor to nylon, adipic acid, is synthesised on a large-scale basis by using nitric acid as an oxidising agent for KA oil. This oil is a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol.

Industrial and Environmental Uses of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid naturally forms in the atmosphere when nitrogen dioxide is dissolved in rain droplets. Lightning facilitates the chemical reaction by splitting the strong molecular bonds of elemental nitrogen gas in the atmosphere, allowing it to combine with oxygen.

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The nitric acid in rain forms nitrates in the soil, which are essential for plant growth. The nitrates serve as the basis for amino acids, which in turn become the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen fixing-bacteria, on the other hand, follow a different pathway in converting the nitrogen in the air into usable forms such as ammonia.

Nitric acid is used in many types of industrial applications that require the production of other nitrogen compounds. Nitric acid is used in the following:

• Manufacture of fertilisers
• Production of explosives
• Nylon precursors
• Speciality organic compounds
• Rocket propellant

Nitric acid also has niche uses such as artificially ageing wood. A 10% solution of the acid is used to change the colours of maple and pine into grey-gold.

It is also very useful as a cleaning agent when combined with water and phosphoric acid. The blend is commonly used as a cleaning agent for food and dairy equipment.

Nitric acid is also combined with alcohol such as methanol or ethanol to form a solution known as nital. The solution is used for etching metal.

Is Nitric Acid an Oxidizer?

As a strong acid, nitric acid completely dissociates its ions in water solution into hydronium (H3O+) and nitrate (NO3−) ions. This means that it is a powerful oxidizing agent because it readily accepts electrons during oxidation-reduction reactions.

The positively-charged ion component of the acid removes the electrons from the atoms of a reactant. For instance, when nitric acid reacts with carbon, it oxidises it, forming carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is the following:

4HNO3 + C —> 2H2O+ CO2 + 4NO2

Nitric acid reacts well with other non-metallic elements such as sulphur, phosphorous, and iodine. In these reactions, the acid acts as the oxidising agent.

The Oxidizing Nature of Nitric Acid

An oxidising agent is a substance that can strip away the electrons of other substances, thereby getting reduced in the process. Meanwhile, an acid, according to the Brønsted–Lowry definition, is a substance that donates its protons.

Some acids can also act as reducing agents, depending on the oxidation state of the non-metal part of the acid. The nitrogen in nitric acid has an oxidation state of +5, the highest state. This makes nitric acid a very strong oxidising agent.

Nitric acid also releases oxygen when heated, which makes it even more reactive as an oxidising agent.

Nitric Acid Market Size and Forecast to

The global nitric acid market size accounted for USD 30.32 billion in and is expected to exceed around USD 43.09 billion by , growing at a CAGR of 3.58% from to .

Nitric Acid Market Key Takeaways

• Europe dominated the nitric acid market with a share of 65.84% in .
• By applications, the fertilizer segment has captured a revenue share of over 81% in .
• The nitrobenzene segment accounted for 4.5% of revenue share in .

Europe Nitric Acid Market Size and Growth to

The Europe nitric acid market size was exhibited at USD 20.01 billion in and is projected to be worth around USD 28.66 billion by , growing at a CAGR of 3.66% from to .

Europe held the largest share of the nitric acid market in . The overall presence of major key players and the wide scope of application in several European countries create a strong base for the market to grow in the region. Large-scale infrastructure projects in multiple European countries require significant amounts of explosives for construction activities. This, in turn, fuels the demand for nitric acid. Nitric acid is used to manufacture adipic acid, a precursor for nylon production. The growing automotive and aerospace industries in the region require high-performance materials like nylon for various applications, boosting the demand for nitric acid.

Asia-Pacific is expected to continue to be among the most alluring markets. Nitric acid is in high demand in the agriculture sector in nations like India, China, and Japan due to the financial development and growing populations in these nations. China, which dominates the Asia Pacific region due to its fast population growth, expanding infrastructure projects, and rising middle-class income, is also consuming a lot of HNO3. Due to the rising production of cotton, wheat, and potatoes in nations like India, and China, fertilizer is one of nitric acid's most often utilized applications in the Asia Pacific region. The requirement for nitric acid in the area will rise throughout the course of the projected period as a result of these causes. Due to the presence of developing nations like China and India, whose sizable populations, improved infrastructure, and rising standard of living have all contributed to an increase in the region's demand for nitric acid, the Asia Pacific region currently holds the largest market share in terms of value and volume.

Due to the region's strong demand, the North American region is the largest market, followed by the Asia-Pacific region. Some of the reasons for this include the region's quick technological progress and rise in disposable income. The key drivers of market growth are the rising demand for lighter and more fuel-efficient automobiles and the expansion of new building and renovation projects. This is fueling this sector together with the expanding fashion industry in the area. The industries' fast expansion, such as construction, automotive, agricultural, and furniture, the nitric acid market is projected to continue to see strong growth. Nitric acid of the highest caliber is required by these sectors to manufacture fertilizers and nylon. Additionally, there has been an increase in demand for ammonium nitrate from the mining sector to make explosives, which is propelling the growth of the entire market.

Market Overview

With the formula HNO3, nitric acid is a nitrogen oxoacid. Nitric acid is created when the nitrogen atom forms equivalent bonds with two more oxygen atoms and a hydroxy group, forming nitric acid. This substance is a nitrate's conjugate acid. Also, a powerful oxidizing agent is a nitric acid. It is described as an indistinct liquid used in the production of organic and inorganic nitrates and nitro compounds for dye intermediates, fertilizers, explosives, and a variety of other organic chemicals.

Nitric acid is a poisonous liquid that emits suffocating red or yellow fumes in the damp air. It quickly becomes an effective conductor of electricity by ionizing in the solution. The existence of international firms, who are always coming out with new products to get a greater piece of the nitric acid market, makes the global nitric acid market very competitive. Growing consumer demand for lightweight automobiles has forced manufacturers to concentrate on research and development in the automotive industry. As a result, nitric acid has a significant potential for intake.

Nitric Acid Importers in

In , the global trade landscape for nitric acid saw significant movements, with Germany leading the pack as the top importer. Germany imported nitric acid worth $83.3 million, followed closely by France at $64.3 million. Japan secured the third position with imports totaling $47.6 million. Belgium and the Netherlands also made substantial contributions to the import market, with $42 million and $37.3 million respectively. These countries have robust industrial sectors that utilize nitric acid for various applications, including fertilizers, explosives, and chemical manufacturing, which drives their high import volumes.

Top Nitric Acid Exporters in

On the export front, South Korea emerged as the leading exporter of nitric acid in , with exports valued at $154 million. Belgium was a close second, exporting $142 million worth of nitric acid. Germany, not only a top importer but also a significant exporter, recorded exports worth $100 million. Norway and the United States rounded out the top five exporters, with $22.1 million and $20.3 million respectively. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of the nitric acid market, where countries with advanced chemical manufacturing capabilities dominate the export landscape, catering to the global demand for this essential industrial chemical.

Nitric Acid Market Growth Factors

The rising need for nylon in the manufacture of automobiles is the driving force behind the nitric acid market. Cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, and nitric acid are all oxidized to create adipic acid. Adipic acid is used to create nylon, a material widely utilized in the car industry. In the production of automobiles, nylon materials are employed as a replacement for heavy metal parts. Because nylon is regarded as a lightweight material, vehicles made of nylon are lighter and require less gasoline, which reduces carbon emissions. As a result, nitric acid demand has increased. The growth in the demand for polyurethane foam is another factor supporting the nitric acid market.

• The rising research and development operations
• Increasing demand from the end-use market

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising demand for fertilizers - The increasing demand for the product in end-use industries is responsible for the expansion of the nitric acid market. Nitric acid's demand in the market is projected to increase due to its expanding application in the production of many agrochemicals, including ammonium nitrate, urea ammonium nitrate, and calcium ammonium nitrate. During the anticipated period, a significant factor driving the nitric acid market is anticipated to be the rising demand for fertilizers caused by the increased need for high crop yields to reflect the growing need for crops.
• Increased construction activity - Growing construction activity stimulates the market because Toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) and HNO3 are utilized as intermediates in the production of polyurethane foams, floor and wood coatings, and insulation products. A further element driving the growth of the HNO3 market is the improvement in consumer lifestyles, rising renovation activity, and new government infrastructure projects.
• Increased need for lightweight vehicles - Manufacturers are beginning to concentrate on innovation and development within the automotive sector as a result of the rising consumer demand for lightweight vehicles. Because of this, there are now many opportunities for increased nitric acid consumption, which has helped the market grow. The manufacture of adipic acid, which is used to make nylon, requires nitric acid as a necessary ingredient. In order to lighten automobiles and increase their fuel efficiency, nitric acid manufacturers are switching from metal-based composites to those based on polymers, such as nylon. The production of lighter cars has also become more and more important due to the growing population and increased customer demand for private automobiles. This has stiffly set back efforts to make lighter automobiles. This is a result of government regulations intended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which have prompted chemical companies to employ their more sophisticated understanding in the creation of vehicle solutions that are both economical and fuel-efficient. This market gains from the growing trend for lighter cars, which is what is behind this development. 

Key Market Challenges

• Standards, norms, and laws - The government's implementation of strict limitations on a variety of industrial uses related to the creation of fertilizers and the use of nitric acid in agrochemicals would further slow the market's rate of expansion. The market scenario will get worse if there are no rules for uniformity. Nitric acid is emitted as a result of the manufacturing of chemicals, driving automobiles, and dumping of contaminated effluent from agricultural fields. The respiratory system may have trouble breathing in environmental pollutants. Government regulations designed to reduce environmental harm and reduce industrial waste production are preventing the market from growing. Growing concerns about the amount of carbon dioxide that vehicles release is putting more pressure on the market. 

Key Market Opportunities

• Increasing mining activities - As a result of the increase of mining operations globally, the global market for nitric acid is continually providing more appealing chances for nitric acid manufacturers. Nitric acids are therefore often employed in the mining industry as explosives and blasting agents. Additionally, the variety of business prospects accessible to industry players on the worldwide market is growing as nitric acid is being used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the fertilizers segment is expected to have the largest market share in the coming years period. This is because more products are being used in the large-scale production of different fertilizers, including ammonium nitrate and nitro phosphates. The increased food demand and agricultural activities are a result of the rising consumer household incomes. The increased use of fertilizers to increase agricultural output and meet the rising demand for organic and high-quality foods would significantly contribute to the market's expansion. Nitric acid's rising demand from the agricultural sector has benefited the market. The industry is anticipated to benefit greatly from increased production of agrochemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers.

Due to increased penetration in the textiles, automotive, and tire industries, the demand for nitric acid in the adipic acid application segment is expected to rise profitably. The product is indicating a significant presence in the manufacture of lighter cars and vehicle parts. Expanding the market's application potential for nylon and resin production will also be beneficial.

End-Use Insights

On the basis of end-use, the agrochemicals segment is expected to have the largest market share in . The need for ammonium nitrate, which is made from nitric acid, has increased due to the rising demand for fertilizers in developing nations like India, China, and Brazil. Additionally, the market share will expand in the anticipated time due to an increase in demand brought on by greater consumer knowledge of fertilizers.

Nitric Acid Market Companies

• BASF SE
• Apache Nitrogen Products Inc.
• CF Industry Holdings, Inc
• Dupont
• Nutrien Ltd.
• Omnia Holding Limited
• Rashtriya Chemical & Fertilizers Ltd.
• Thyssenkrupp AG
• Yara International ASA

Recent Developments

• In April – A nitric acid production plant with a 400-kiloton annual production capacity will be built at Yeosu Industrial Complex, south of Seoul, South Korea, by Hanwha Corporation for KRW 190 billion (about USD 170 million). As a consequence, by , the company's capacity to create nitric acid yearly is anticipated to increase by half, from 120 kilotons at now to 520 kilotons.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application

• Fertilizers
• Adipic Acid
• Toluene Diisocyanate
• Nitrobenzene
• Others

By End-Use

• Explosives
• Agrochemicals
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Others

By Concentration

• Dilute Nitric Acid (68%)
• Concentrated Nitric Acid (69% 71%) 

By Distribution Channel

• Direct/Institutional Sales
• Retail Sales
• Others 

By Geography

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