The above equation describes the reaction between nitric acid (HNO3) and iron (Fe). In this reaction, iron reacts with nitric acid to produce iron(II) nitrate (Fe(NO3)2), water (H2O), and nitric oxide gas (NO).
- Reaction conditions
This reaction occurs when iron comes into contact with concentrated and heated nitric acid.
- Reaction process
This process consists of two stages:
- First, iron reacts with nitric acid to produce iron(II) nitrate and hydrogen gas.
- Next, iron(II) nitrate reacts with more nitric acid to produce iron(III) nitrate, water, and nitric oxide gas.
- Phenomena occur
When the reaction occurs, you will see iron gradually dissolve in the acid solution and brown NO gas is released. Simultaneously, the formed solution of iron(II) nitrate has a light blue color.