Question:medium
Study the reaction given below and answer the questions that follow:
NaNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → NaHSO₄ + HNO₃ (below 200°C)
(a) Give one reason for maintaining the temperature below 200°C.
(b) Why is concentrated Sulphuric acid used in the above reaction?
Study the reaction given below and answer the questions that follow:
NaNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → NaHSO₄ + HNO₃ (below 200°C)
(a) Give one reason for maintaining the temperature below 200°C.
(b) Why is concentrated Sulphuric acid used in the above reaction?
Show Hint
Nitric acid prepared in the lab often appears yellow. This is due to the presence of dissolved nitrogen dioxide (NO_2) produced by the slight decomposition of the acid!
Updated On: Mar 25, 2026
Show Solution
Solution and Explanation
(a) The temperature is maintained below 200°C to prevent the decomposition of nitric acid (HNO3).
At higher temperatures, nitric acid decomposes into nitrogen dioxide, water and oxygen, which reduces the yield of nitric acid.
(b) Concentrated sulphuric acid is used because it is a non-volatile strong acid.
It displaces the more volatile nitric acid from sodium nitrate and helps in the liberation of pure nitric acid vapours.
Final Answer:
(a) To prevent decomposition of nitric acid at higher temperature.
(b) Because concentrated sulphuric acid is non-volatile and helps to liberate nitric acid.
At higher temperatures, nitric acid decomposes into nitrogen dioxide, water and oxygen, which reduces the yield of nitric acid.
(b) Concentrated sulphuric acid is used because it is a non-volatile strong acid.
It displaces the more volatile nitric acid from sodium nitrate and helps in the liberation of pure nitric acid vapours.
Final Answer:
(a) To prevent decomposition of nitric acid at higher temperature.
(b) Because concentrated sulphuric acid is non-volatile and helps to liberate nitric acid.
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