Nitric Acid Uses Like ammonia, one of the main uses of nitric acid is in preparation of fertilizers. Nitric acid is also a good oxidizing agent and is used for manufacturing of other inorganic compounds. However, this chemical compound has a lot of other uses. It finds its applications in industries as well as in our everyday life. Let�¢??s look at some of them below. Industrial Uses of Nitric Acid Nitric Acid in Fertilizers Nitric Acid in Daily Life Industrial Uses of Nitric Acid Nitric acid is the building block chemical for the production of many other chemical compounds. It is used in manufacturing several types of polymers like polyamides and polyurethane. Nitric acid is also commonly used as rocket propellants in the aerospace industry. It is also used for manufacturing nitrogen-based compounds like nylon as well as most of the explosives like trinitrotoluene (T.N.T.), nitroglycerin, amongst others. Other uses include, production of nitrate salts, making dyes, coal tar products and drugs. It is also used mostly for the purification of precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver. Nitric Acid in Fertilizers In fertilizer production, Nitric acid is used for manufacturing different types of nitrogenous fertilizers like calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, etc. Nitric acid is key component which is also a by product of Ammonia. Uses in Daily Life The most common use of Nitric acid is found in schools where it is often utilized as a laboratory reagent. Diluted nitric acid is used in wood works to fabricate maple and pine wood and make them look aged. It is also used in food industries and helps in cleaning food and equipments, etc. More significantly, nitric acid is also used to spot test alkaloids like LSD. Another test known as Colorimetric test which requires nitric acid is used to differentiate between morphine and heroin. These are some popular uses of nitric acid. To know more about properties, structure of acids and bases you can keep visiting BYJU�¢??S or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.