S (s) + 2 HNO3 (aq) → H2SO4 (aq) + 2 NO (g)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
S0 - 6 e- → SVI (oxidation)
2 NV + 6 e- → 2 NII (reduction)
S is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- S
- 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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