Why is concentrated nitric acid stored in dark flasks and in a cool place? Why do concentrated nitric acid solutions
August 19, 2020 | Education
| Why is concentrated nitric acid stored in dark flasks and in a cool place? Why do concentrated nitric acid solutions turn yellowish over time? Write the reaction equation for the decomposition of nitric acid.
When heated and exposed to light, nitric acid decomposes, so it is stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, concentrated nitric acid decomposes, and one of the products of its decomposition is the brown gas NO2, which gives the acid a yellowish color.
4HNO3 -> NO2 + O2 + 2H2O
