Concentrated HNO3 turns yellow in sunlight. Explain.
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Solution
Nitric acid HNO3, also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
Conc. HNO3 turns yellow in sunlight due to decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.