Question

What happens when the concentrated \[HN{O_3}\] comes in contact with skin? Why?

Answer 1

Hint: In order to know the effect of concentrated nitric acid on the skin, we must know about the characteristics of the chemical compound. Nitric acid is a very strong acid, which is known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter.

Complete answer:
Let us now see about the nitric acid. Nitric acid is the chemical compound with the chemical formula of \[HN{O_3}\]. It is also known as the spirit of niter and aqua fortis. Nitric acid is a mineral acid which is highly corrosive. This compound is very pure and is colourless. But when the acid becomes old, the sample will acquire a yellow cast due to the decomposition of acids into the oxides of nitrogen and water. Nitric acid is the primary reagent which is used in the nitration reaction. Nitric acid can also act as a strong oxidising agent. The nitric acid is highly corrosive. When the acid comes in contact with the skin, it will cause the chemical burns. This burn is caused by the acid hydrolysis of fats and proteins. Due to the reaction of concentrated nitric acid with the keratin, it will produce a yellow stain. After neutralisation, this stain will be turned to orange. We can treat this by washing the skin which is exposed to acid with large quantities of water. We can wash the skin continuously for 10-15 minutes.

Note:
The fuming nitric acid and concentrated sulphuric acid are different from one another. They both are not the same. Fuming nitric acid is a commercial grade acid which can produce fumes while concentrated nitric acid is an acid that does not produce any fumes.