Ostwald process

The Ostwald process is a chemical method used to produce nitric acid, a vital industrial chemical. It involves converting ammonia (from fertilizers or waste) into nitric acid through a series of reactions. First, ammonia reacts with oxygen to form nitric oxide. This is then oxidized further to produce nitrogen dioxide, a reddish-brown gas. Finally, the nitrogen dioxide is absorbed in water to produce nitric acid. This process is efficient and widely used because it allows the large-scale manufacturing of nitric acid, which is essential for fertilizers, explosives, and other chemicals.