Nitric acid is the primary reagent used for nitration – the addition of a nitro group, typically to an organic molecule. While some resulting nitro compounds are shock- and thermally-sensitive explosives, a few are stable enough to be used in munitions and demolition, while others are still more stable and used as pigments in inks and dyes. Nitric acid is also commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent.
Nitric acid is made by the reaction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with water. Normally, the nitric oxide produced by the reaction is re-oxidized by the oxygen in air to produce additional nitrogen dioxide. Adding sulfuric acid to a nitrate salt and heating the mixture with an oil bath can make almost pure nitric acid. A condenser is used to condense the nitric acid fumes that bubble out of the solution.
The global nitric acid market size is expected to reach USD 14.0 billion by 2022, progressing at a CAGR of 1.8% during the forecast period. Flourishing agriculture industry and surging demand for fertilizers are among the key trends escalating market growth.
Nitric Acid Market is expected to observe a surge in demand due to growing application in production of various chemicals including calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, toluene di isocyanate, adipic solutions and nitrobenzene, especially used in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, polyurethanes and other end use industries. In addition, rising need in various chemical industries including elastomers, polyurethane foams and coatings coupled with elastomers, foam plastics, floor & wood finishes, polyurethane foam coated fabrics and different insulation materials is anticipated to boost nitric acid market growth in the forecasted period.
Nitric acid is one of the world’s largest commodity chemicals. It is used predominantly as an intermediate for fertilizer production (primarily ammonium and calcium ammonium nitrate) and for the production of nitro-containing organic intermediates.
The market for nitric acid was mainly driven by fertilizer industry. Nitric acid is used in manufacturing of ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate which finds application in fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate is also used in manufacturing of urea