Aqua Fortis

Aqua Fortis

Aqua Fortis is a historical name for nitric acid, a highly corrosive and toxic strong acid. The term "aqua fortis" is Latin for "strong water," reflecting its powerful ability to dissolve metals such as silver and copper. This chemical compound has played a significant role in various industrial and scientific applications throughout history.

Chemical Properties

Aqua fortis, or nitric acid, has the chemical formula HNO₃. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water. It is a strong acid and a powerful oxidizing agent.

Physical Properties

• Molecular Weight: 63.01 g/mol
• Density: 1.51 g/cm³
• Boiling Point: 83 °C (181 °F)
• Melting Point: -42 °C (-44 °F)

Reactivity

Aqua fortis is known for its ability to dissolve most metals, forming metal nitrates and releasing hydrogen gas. It reacts with copper to form copper nitrate, a blue-green solution, and with silver to form silver nitrate, a colorless solution. However, it does not react with gold or platinum, which led to the development of aqua regia, a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, capable of dissolving these noble metals.

Historical Uses

Historically, aqua fortis was used in the process of etching designs onto metal surfaces. It was also employed in the production of gunpowder and in the refining of precious metals. Alchemists in the Middle Ages used aqua fortis in their attempts to transmute base metals into gold.

Modern Applications

In contemporary times, nitric acid is used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and in the chemical synthesis of various organic compounds. It is also used in the purification of precious metals and in the manufacture of dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Safety and Handling

Due to its corrosive nature, aqua fortis must be handled with care. It can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and is harmful if inhaled. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling this chemical.

Also see

• Aqua regia
• Nitric acid
• Etching
• Alchemical substances