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Chemical Technology
Inorganic Chemical Industries
GATE 2010
Medium

For making superphosphate by acidulation of phosphate rock, use of nitric acid is desirable, because

  • Anitric acid is less expensive than sulphuric acid
  • the availability of nitrogen enhances the value of the superphosphate as a fertilizer
  • Cthe process produces non-hygroscopic superphosphate
  • Dthe process produces superphosphate having higher phosphorus content than the sulphuric acid process

Explanation

Using nitric acid (nitrophosphate process) incorporates nitrogen into the product, boosting its value as a fertilizer by supplying an additional nutrient alongside phosphorus.

Source: GATE CH 2010 (2010)

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