This method produces very weak nitric acid (≤20%) and should only be attempted with proper safety gear (gloves, goggles, fume hood, and acid-resistant equipment).
Materials Needed:
Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) – Stump remover (pure, no additives)
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) – Battery acid (35-37%, NOT drain cleaner)
Distilled water
Glassware (No metal or plastic!) – Retort, condenser, or makeshift distillation setup
Ice bath (to condense vapors)
PPE – Gloves, goggles, respirator (NO₂ gas is deadly)
Acid-Nitrate Reaction (Distillation Required) Mix 1 part NaNO₃ with 1 part H₂SO₄ in a glass flask. *Example: 50g NaNO₃ + 50mL H₂SO₄* Gently heat (≤80°C) to avoid violent boiling. Red-brown NO₂ gas will form (TOXIC – work outdoors or in a fume hood). Nitric acid vapor will distill over and can be condensed in a cooled receiver.
Chemical Reaction:
NaNO3 +H2SO4→HNO3 +NaHSO4
2. Dilution (If Too Concentrated)
Slowly add the distilled HNO₃ to cold distilled water (NEVER water to acid!).
Test concentration with pH strips (pure HNO₃ is pH ~1).
3. Storage
Keep in glass (HNO₃ eats plastic/metal).
Label clearly and store away from organics (flammable!).