Question

Why does nitric acid turn skin yellow?

Answer 1

Nitric acid:

• Nitric acid$\left({\mathrm{HNO}}_3\right)$ is a mineral acid that is extremely corrosive.
• Nitric corrosive combines with proteins to produce yellow-colored nitrated products and the reaction is known as xanthoproteic reaction.
• Aromatic amino acids are found in proteins found in the skin. Proteins in the skin are transformed into xanthoproteins when they come into contact with strong nitric acid.
• The xanthoproteins have a yellow colour to them. As a result, the skin turns yellow.
• As a result of the conversion of proteins into xanthoproteins, skin turns yellow in the presence of $HN{O}_3.$