Dissolving silver

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The discussion focuses on refining silver from scrap using homemade nitric acid while minimizing waste. It highlights that a significant portion of the acid is lost during the oxidation of metals, with suggestions to use a dilute solution to reduce this loss. The optimal dilution is questioned to ensure that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can redissolve and regenerate nitric acid. The conversation emphasizes the safety of using cold, weak acid to produce nitrogen monoxide (NO) and subsequently convert it to NO2 for further reactions. Overall, the goal is to enhance efficiency in the silver refining process while managing chemical reactions effectively.
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How dilute must it be to avoid destroying half the acid?
I'm making poor man's nitric acid to refine silver from scrap. I would like to waste as little as possible. I've noticed that about half the acid is destroyed oxidizing the metals, and I'd like to reduce that if possible. One reference mentioned that I lose only one in four in a "dilute solution" instead of half. How dilute must it be to allow the NO2 to disproportionate so that half of it will redissolve and become nitric acid again?
 
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Cold dilute acid will react to produce NO (reacts with oxygen to make NO2)
Hot concentrated will react to give NO2
NO2 will disolve in water SPARINGLY to produce a weak nitric acid ...
Probably safer to go with cold weak acid , catch the NO gas (clear) in a large container , add air to make it NO2 (brown) , add water and shake ... don't expect much yield.
 
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Thread 'Dissolving silver'

I'm making poor man's nitric acid to refine silver from scrap. I would like to waste as little as possible. I've noticed that about half the acid is destroyed oxidizing the metals, and I'd like to reduce that if possible. One reference mentioned that I lose only one in four in a "dilute solution" instead of half. How dilute must it be to allow the NO2 to disproportionate so that half of it will redissolve and become nitric acid again?
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