What chemical melts copper?

Dissolving Copper: The Science Behind Nitric Acid

While copper is famously resistant to many common substances and does not react with typical acids like hydrochloric acid, it behaves very differently when exposed to nitric acid. Rather than melting through heat, the metal undergoes a intense chemical reaction that completely dissolves it.

When solid copper comes into contact with concentrated nitric acid, a dynamic oxidation-reduction reaction takes place. The acid acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, converting copper metal into soluble copper nitrate. As the metal disappears into the liquid, the solution transforms into a vibrant blue or green color while releasing heavy, brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide gas.

This distinct reactivity makes nitric acid an essential tool in chemical processing, metallurgy, and recycling, demonstrating how strong oxidizers can break down metals that ordinary acids cannot touch.