State why the temperature of the reaction mixture of HNO3 is not all

1.	State why the temperature of the reaction mixture of HNO3 is not allowed to rise above 200°C.
Answer» The reaction mixture is not heated beyond 200 °C because at higher temperature: The nitric acid would decompose: 4 HNO₃ →4NO₂ ↑+ 2H₂O + O₂ ↑ The residue, sodium sulphate or potassium sulphate, forms a hard crust that sticks to the glass. Hence, its removal becomes difficult.

State why the temperature of the reaction mixture of HNO3 is not allowed to rise above 200°C.

Answer»

The reaction mixture is not heated beyond 200 °C because at higher temperature:

The nitric acid would decompose:

4 HNO₃ →4NO₂ ↑+ 2H₂O + O₂ ↑

The residue, sodium sulphate or potassium sulphate, forms a hard crust that sticks to the glass. Hence, its removal becomes difficult.