The above equation describes the chemical reaction process between nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric monoxide (NO) and water (H2O).
- Reaction conditions:
For the reaction to occur, conditions such as the presence of the participants and appropriate temperature are needed. The reaction will take place faster at high temperatures, however, if the temperature is too high, the product may not be stable.
- Reaction process:
When nitric acid (HNO3) reacts with hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the nitrate group (-NO3) will be replaced by the sulfate group (-SO4) and nitric monoxide (NO) is released. This process also produces water (H2O) as a by-product.
- Phenomena that occur:
When the reaction occurs, a rather characteristic smell of nitric monoxide (NO) can be detected. In addition, a change in the color of the solution can be observed when nitric acid (light brown) reacts with hydrogen sulfide (colorless) to produce sulfuric acid (colorless).