Laboratory grade concentrated nitric acid is a `"____"` azeotropic mixture

Options

A. `50%`
B. `68%`
C. `98%`
D. `33%`

Answer

2

Explanation

Ostwald process gives a `HNO_(3)` solution of concentration `60%` by weight. The product can be concentrated to`68%` by distillation ,when a constant boiling mixture is obtained. More concentrated acid, which is needed for certain uses such as nitration can be made by distilling this mixture with sulphuric acid (a dehydrating agent).
Laboratory grade nitric acid contains `68%` of the `HNO_(3)` by mass and has a density of `1.504 g cm^(-3)`