Nitric Acid Nitric acid is used in the preparation of many explosives, incendiary mixtures, and acid delay timers. It may be prepared by distilling a mixture of potassium nitrate and concentrated sulfuric acid. MATERIALS REQUIRED ------------------------------------------------------------ Potassium nitrate (2 parts by volume) Concentrated sulfuric acid (1 part by volume) 2 bottles or ceramic jugs (narrow necks are preferable) Pot or frying pan Heat source (wood, coal, or charcoal) Tape (paper, electrical, masking, etc) Paper or rags. IMPORTANT: If sulfuric acid is obtained from a motor vehicle battery, concentrate it by boiling it until white fumes appear, DO NOT INHALE FUMES IF YOU ENJOY LIFE!! NOTE: The amount of nitric acid produced is the same as the amount of potassium nitrate. Thus, for 2 table spoons of nitric acid, use 2 tablespoons of potassium nitrate and 1 tablespoon of concentrated sulfuric acid. CAUTION: Sulfuric acid will burn skill and destroy clothing. If any is spilled, wash it away with a large quantity of water. Fumes are dangerous and should not be inhaled. Store and handle with glass or epoxy plastics. PROCEDURE: =========================================================== 1) Place dry potassium nitrate in bottle or jug. Add sulfuric acid. Do not fill bottle more the 1/4 full. Mix until paste is formed. 2) Wrap paper or rags around necks of 2 bottles. Securly tape necks of bottles together. Be sure bottles are flush against each other and that there are no air spaces. 3) Support bottles on rocks or cans so that empty bottle is slightly lower then bottle containing paste so that nitric acid that is formed in receiving bottle will not run into other bottle. 4) Build fire in port or frying pan. 5) Gently heat bottle containing mixture by moving fire in and out. As red fumes begin to appear, periodically pour cool water over empty receiving bottle. Nitric acid will begin to form in the receiving bottle. CAUTION: Do not overheat or get the heated bottle wet. This can cause the bottle to shatter. A safer method is to place the heated bottle into a can on a bed of sand. Then heat the can. 6) Continue the above process until no more red fumes are formed. If the nitric acid formed in the receiving bottle is not clear (cloudy at all) pour it into cleaned bottle and repeat steps 2-6.