4 HNO3 (aq) + 3 Sn (s) + 12 HCl (aq) → 3 SnCl4 (l) + 4 NO (g) + 8 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 Sn0 - 12 e- → 3 SnIV (oxidation)
4 NV + 12 e- → 4 NII (reduction)
Sn is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- 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.]
- Sn
- HCl – Chlorane , Hydrogen chloride
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid , M , Uriatic acid
- Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid, fumes in air if concentrated ; Colorless gas ; Colourless compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
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