How to Efficiently Produce Ultrapure Acids

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Subboiling distillation is a known method for purifying acids.
• The impact of distillation parameters on acid purity remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate subboiling distillation for producing pure hydrochloric and nitric acids.
• Investigate the effect of temperature and number of distillations on acid purity.

Main Methods:

• Subboiling distillation of hydrochloric and nitric acids.
• Analysis of twenty elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Subboiling temperature and multiple distillations did not affect acid purity.
• Residual elemental concentrations were below 10 ng/L for both acids.
• Ultrapure acids achieved with one distillation at highest temperature.

Conclusions:

• Subboiling distillation is a robust method for producing high-purity analytical grade acids.
• Optimized protocols can yield ultrapure nitric and hydrochloric acids efficiently.