Question map
Which one of the following was the first mineral acid discovered?
Explanation
Nitric acid is widely considered the first mineral acid to be discovered and described in chemical literature. Its discovery is traditionally attributed to the 8th-century Persian alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber), who synthesized it by heating saltpeter (potassium nitrate) with vitriol and alum. This substance, known in Latin as 'aqua fortis' (strong water), was significant for its ability to dissolve metals. While Jabir is also credited with the discovery of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, nitric acid was the first among them to be clearly isolated and utilized in alchemical processes. Sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol) followed, and hydrochloric acid was later produced by mixing common salt with vitriol or by combining nitric and hydrochloric acids to form 'aqua regia'. Phosphoric acid was discovered much later, in the 17th century, following the isolation of phosphorus.