CuS (s) + 4 HNO3 (aq) → Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + SO2 (aq) + 2 NO (g) + 2 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
S-II - 6 e- → SIV (oxidation)
2 NV + 6 e- → 2 NII (reduction)
CuS is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- CuS – Copper sulfide
- HNO3 – Nitric acid
- Other names: Aqua fortis
, Spirit of niter
, Eau forte
- Appearance: Colorless, yellow or red fuming liquid
; Colourless-to-yellow liquid with pungent odour
; Colorless, yellow, or red, fuming liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution. Fuming nitric acid is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide.]
- Other names: Aqua fortis
Products:
- Cu(NO3)2 – Copper(II) nitrate
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride
, Sulphur dioxide
, Sulfurous acid anhydride
- Appearance: Colorless gas
; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour
; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride
- NO – Nitrogen monoxide
, Oxidonitrogen(•) (additive)
- H2O – Water, oxidane