Why does nitric acid stain the skin yellow?

Answer 1

This yellow product is the result of the so called xanthoproteic reaction - the nitration of phenyl groups in the proteins in your skin. The phenyl groups are present in the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine...speaking of which, it is the porphyrin pigments in these amino acids that makes the human skin slightly fluorescent. The emission spectrum, unfortunately lies mostly in the low UV range (peak at about 350nm) with a very shallow tail among the bluish hues. The excitation peak is at about 300 nm, plenty of which exists in sunlight.

Answer 2

1. Gasoline

2. Ferric Chloride

3. Permanganate of potash solution, rinse with hydrochloric acid.

After using either of these three steps, wash your hands thoroughly with Castile soap. Avoid soaps that roughens the skin.

Good luck and be careful next time. =)

Answer 3

Nitric acid can react with the proteins in the skin, forming a compound called xanthoproteic acid, which is yellow in color. This reaction occurs due to the oxidative properties of nitric acid, causing the skin to become stained yellow upon contact.

Answer 4

The chemicals in the acid absorb every colour in the suns rays except yellow so it reflects the yellow for our brains to pick up this makes us see it yellow

Answer 5

Nitric acid turns skin yellow due to a reaction with keratin in the skin.

Answer 6

it burns your skin

Answer 7

Nitric acid.