P4 + 20 HNO3 → 4 H3PO4 + 20 NO2 + 4 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
4 P0 - 20 e- → 4 PV (oxidation)
20 NV + 20 e- → 20 NIV (reduction)
P4 is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- P4
- 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.]
Products:
- H3PO4
- 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.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane