What is Ostwald process?
The '''Ostwald process''' is a chemical process for making [[nitric acid]] (HNO3). The Ostwald process provides the main raw material for the most common type of [[fertilizer]] production. It is closely associated with the [[Haber process]]. It is named after [[Wilhelm Ostwald]], who developed the process and patented it in 1902.<ref>{{Cite patent|inventor-last=Ostwald |inventor-first=Wilhelm |title=Improvements in the manufacture of nitric acid and nitrogen oxides |country-code=GB |patent-number=190200698 |description=|issue-date=March 20, 1902 |publication-date= January 9, 1902}}</ref><ref>{{Cite patent |inventor-last=Ostwald |inventor-first=Wilhelm |title=Improvements in and relating to the manufacture of nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen |country-code=GB |patent-number=190208300 |description= |issue-date=February 26, 1903 |publication-date=December 18, 1902}}</ref> Ammonia is converted to nitric acid in two stages. 1) It is [[oxidized]] in the presence of '''platinium''' as catalyst at about 900 degrees [[Celsius]] to form [[nitric oxide]] and water. 4 NH3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) → 4 NO (g) + 6 H2O (g) 2) Nitric oxide is oxidized again to form [[nitrogen dioxide]] and then it reacts with water to form dilute nitric acid whereas some portion of the nitrogen dioxide is reduce back to nitric oxide. 2 NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2 NO2 3 NO2 (g) + H2O (l) → 2 HNO3 (aq) + NO (g) * Alternatively if the nitrogen dioxide reacts with [[oxygen]]. 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2 H2O (l) → 4 HNO3 ==References== {{reflist}} {{-}} {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Chemical processes]]