Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
Nitric acid (HNO3) also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water. Most commercially available nitric acid has a concentration of 68%. When the solution contains more than 86% HNO3 it is referred to as fuming nitric acid.
