Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
Red fuming nitric acid (RFNA) is a storable oxidizer used as a rocket propellant. It consists of 84% nitric acid (HNO3) 13% dinitrogen tetroxide and 1–2% water. The color of red fuming nitric acid is due to the dinitrogen tetroxide which breaks down partially to form nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen dioxide dissolves until the liquid is saturated and evaporates off into fumes with a suffocating odor.