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Author: Subject: Sodium nitrate synthesis
Thanatops1s
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[*] posted on 16-2-2014 at 21:15
Sodium nitrate synthesis


I've made sodium nitrate via NaOH and NH4OH more times than I can remember with no issues. None so far now, but to speed up evaporation I thought I'd boil down the solution to 50% volume or so first. I had an exterior vented fan but wasn't outside so I put a stopper on the flask which lead into a flask of water to catch it. To my surprise, the water formed a deep pinkish red.

sodium nitrate pink.jpg - 335kB

Little bit later, I changed out the flask for one with fresh water and now it's yellow.

[Edited on 17-2-2014 by Thanatops1s]
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Brain&Force
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[*] posted on 16-2-2014 at 21:44


I'm going to spitball here, but could it be either NO2 being formed or a contaminant in the ammonia (such as a surfactant)?

If it's NO2, hydrogen peroxide will oxidize it to nitric acid.




At the end of the day, simulating atoms doesn't beat working with the real things...
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Metacelsus
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[*] posted on 16-2-2014 at 22:07


I don't understand. How are you oxidizing the ammonia to nitrate?



As below, so above.

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Thanatops1s
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[*] posted on 16-2-2014 at 22:09


NO2 is a distinct possibility since when I added the first but of NH4OH the was a quick but distinct puff of it that came out.

What % H2O2 would be adequate? I'd do search normally but since you brought it up figured I might was well ask.

[Edited on 17-2-2014 by Thanatops1s]

[Edited on 17-2-2014 by Thanatops1s]
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papaya
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[*] posted on 16-2-2014 at 23:12


The answer must be is your rubber hose.
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