Consider the reaction:
H₂SO₄ + HNO₃ → HSO₄⁻ + H₂NO₃⁺
Which of the following terms describes the role of HNO₃ in this reaction?
A) A reducing agent
B) A base
C) An oxidising agent
D) A catalyst
E) An acid
IMAT 2023 · Question 37
Q37 - The concept of acid and base
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The correct answer is B) A base.
HNO₃ goes to H₂NO₃⁺, so it gains a proton, which makes it a Brønsted base here.
It looks strange because nitric acid is normally an acid, but sulfuric acid is even stronger and forces a proton onto it. This is the first step in making the nitronium ion used in nitration.
No oxidation numbers change, so it isn't a redox reaction.
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