Question

Study the reaction given below and answer the questions that follow:

\[\ce{NaNO3 + \underset{Conc.}{H2SO4} ->[< 200° C][]NaHSO4 + HNO3}\]

Give one reason for maintaining the temperature below 200°C.

Answer 1

The temperature is kept below 200°C to prevent the decomposition of nitric acid (HNO₃) formed during the reaction, which would otherwise break down into nitrogen dioxide, water, and oxygen, reducing the yield.

\[\ce{4HNO3 -> 4NO2 + 2H2O + O2}\]