Nitric acid structure, gaseous

Nitric acid is one of the three major inorganic acids in the chemical industry. Its structural parameters in the gaseous state are shown in Fig. 15.2.2(d). The crystals of nitric acid monohydrate consist of H30+ and N0, which are connected by strong hydrogen bonds. In the acid salts, HNO3 molecules are bound to nitrate ions by strong hydrogen bonds. For example, the structures of [H(N03)2r in K[H(N03)2] and [H2(N03)3] in (NH4)H2(N03)3 are as follows ... 

Gaseous nitric acid has a planar structure (Fig. 5-10) although hindered rotation of OH relative to N02 probably occurs. 

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