32 HNO3 + 8 CuS → 16 H2O + 16 NO2 + 8 Cu(NO3)2 + S8
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
8 S-II - 16 e- → 8 S0 (oxidation)
16 NV + 16 e- → 16 NIV (reduction)
CuS 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.]
- CuS – Copper sulfide
Products:
- H2O – Water, oxidane
- NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide
- Other names: Nitrogen(IV) oxide , Deutoxide of nitrogen , Nitrogen peroxide
- Appearance: Brown gas ; Reddish-brown gas or brown or yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Yellowish-brown liquid or reddish-brown gas (above 70°F) with a pungent, acrid odor. [Note: In solid form (below 15°F) it is found structurally as N2O4.]
- Cu(NO3)2 – Copper(II) nitrate
- S8