Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong, highly corrosive acid with a colorless to yellowish appearance. It is a vital industrial chemical, primarily produced by the Ostwald Process, where ammonia is oxidized to produce nitrogen oxides, which are then dissolved in water. One of its primary uses is in fertilizer production, particularly for manufacturing ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient in fertilizers and explosives. Nitric acid is also crucial in the production of nitric compounds, such as nitroglycerin for explosives, and in metal processing, where it is used for pickling and cleaning metals. Additionally, it serves in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and rocket propellants. Nitric acid is highly reactive and can cause severe burns; therefore, proper handling and safety measures are essential.