2 P (s) + H2 (g) + 4 HNO3 (aq) → 4 NO (g) + 2 H3PO4 (aq)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 P0 - 10 e- → 2 PV (oxidation)
2 H0 - 2 e- → 2 HI (oxidation)
4 NV + 12 e- → 4 NII (reduction)
P is a reducing agent, H2 is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- P
- H2
- 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.]
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