How to make Aqua Regia

Aqua Regia is a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids. It has a strong oxidizing capacity, therefore, capable of dissolving even gold. Hence the name – once this acid corrodes the "king of metals - gold, then the name came up, too "Royal".

You will need

• Nitric acid;
• Hydrochloric acid;
• Glass vial for mixing acids with markup;
• Glass wand.

Instruction

1. To obtain the Aqua Regia you have to mix one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid. The proportions have to be precisely followed, otherwise the chemical reaction will be weak and short-lived. Pour reagents "by eye" is not necessary, because this way you will not achieve perfect precision. That is why the vial should be with graduations to accurately measure the right amount of acids.
2. Since it is best to avoid the use of additional utensils for measuring desired quantities of liquid, it is better to add acid in one test tube. The more you pour acid from one container to another – the more chances to Shine.
3. Accordingly, you must first pour into the tube the desired quantity of hydrochloric acid, as for the production of Aqua Regia it must be larger in volume than the nitrogen, and the mixing of dangerous chemicals, it is recommended to add a little more to avoid the spray of acid and to reduce the risk of chemical burns.
4. Then add the desired amount of nitric acid. In no case do not rush, otherwise you can shed the acid, and to suffer. Pour it in a thin stream without splashing. Do not lean to the vial and do not try to look into it – any pair of acids is very dangerous, so they do not breathe and avoid contact with eyes. All the manipulations necessary to produce a maximum distance from the face.
5. After you have poured in the vial of both the acid and gently stir the liquid with a glass rod to make the components mixed, not stratified (in any case do not shake the test tube is dangerous!). All Aqua Regia finish. At first it will be light yellow in color, as was originally hydrochloric acid, and within half an hour the color will change to dark orange. This means that you did everything correctly and in vitro, active chemical reaction.