Nitric Acid 20% (HNO3) — Dilute Solution

Name: Nitric Acid 20%
Brand: Alliance Chemical
SKU: EGQ-PSO-VDM
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Commercial Fulfillment Snapshot

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Ships from Taylor, Texas. In-stock orders placed before 1:00 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and before 12:00 PM CT (Fri) typically ship same business day. Order online 24/7.

Email Bulk Quote Call (512) 365-6838

Technical Documents

SDS TDS COA

Lot-specific COA is issued per shipment batch.

Who Buys This

Circuit board manufacturers
Water treatment facilities
Chemical synthesis companies
Analytical laboratories
Fertilizer producers

Purity / Grade Guide

Industrial & lab applications
Verified purity, COA included
Suitable for commercial processes
Metal etching compatible

Pack Sizes

1 Liter: lab & bench scale
2.5 Liter: bench & pilot work
55 Gallon: bulk drum

SDS / COA / TDS

UN 2031 Class 8 packaging
Complete SDS included
COA with every shipment
DANGER signal hazard labeling

Small Packs: UPS Ground nationwide for pints, quarts, and gallons.

LTL / FTL: ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers for pails, drums, totes, and full truckloads.

Support: Email or call for freight options, hazardous-material routing, and lead-time confirmation.

Description
Product Documents
Chemical Profile

Product Overview

Nitric Acid 20% is a technical-grade aqueous solution of nitric acid (HNO3), historically referred to as Aqua Fortis. This 20% concentration provides a stable, controlled oxidizing agent necessary for industrial metal finishing, etching, and chemical synthesis. Unlike highly concentrated fuming acids, this dilution offers reduced vapor generation while maintaining sufficient acidity for effective surface treatment and pH regulation.

Engineered for consistency, our Nitric Acid 20% meets strict technical specifications with low impurity profiles. It is widely utilized in the passivation of stainless steel, cleaning of process equipment, and as a raw material in nitrate production. The clear to pale yellow liquid is manufactured under rigorous quality control standards to ensure predictable performance in manufacturing workflows and laboratory applications.

Key Properties

CAS Number: 7697-37-2
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Chemical Formula: HNO3
Molecular Weight: 63.01 g/mol
Specific Gravity: 1.086–1.09 at 20°C (typical 1.088)
Boiling Point: 83°C
Residue After Ignition: Max 0.02%
Chloride Content: Max 5 ppm
Iron (Fe): Max 2 ppm
Heavy Metals (as Pb): Max 0.5 ppm

Common Applications

Metal Etching & Pickling: Used extensively for etching copper, brass, and other metals in circuit board manufacturing and surface patterning.
Stainless Steel Passivation: Removes free iron from the surface of stainless steel components to enhance corrosion resistance.
pH Adjustment: Provides precise acidity control for wastewater treatment, cooling towers, and industrial process water.
Chemical Synthesis: Acts as a strong oxidizing agent and nitrate source in the production of fertilizers and chemical intermediates.
Equipment Cleaning: Effective for removing mineral deposits and inorganic scale from industrial machinery.

Safety & Handling

Nitric Acid 20% is a corrosive liquid and a strong oxidizer. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory, including acid-resistant gloves, splash goggles, face shields, and protective clothing. Ensure usage in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors. Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials such as organic compounds, reducing agents, and bases.

Shipping Information: This product is regulated as a Hazardous Material for transport. It ships as UN 2031, Nitric Acid, Class 8, PG II. All shipments comply with DOT regulations.

Benefits

Controlled Concentration: 20% strength reduces fuming hazards while maintaining effectiveness for etching and passivation.
Technical Purity: Low trace metal content verified by ICP-OES/MS ensures process integrity.
Versatile Packaging: Available in lab-scale bottles (1L, 2.5L) and bulk industrial drums (55 Gallon).
Verified Specifications: Every batch includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming adherence to technical standards.

Related Products

Property	Value
Molecular Weight	63.01 g/mol
Formula	HNO3
Assay	20%
Grade	Technical
Form	Liquid
Solubility	Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Appearance	Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Melting Point	-42 °C
Boiling Point	83 °C
Specific Gravity	1.11
Industry	Industrial, Environmental, Wastewater

Frequently Asked Questions About Nitric Acid 20%

What is Nitric Acid 20% and what is its chemical formula?

Nitric Acid 20% is a chemical compound with the molecular formula HNO3, registered under CAS Number 7697-37-2 by the Chemical Abstracts Service (PubChem), with a molecular weight of 63.01 g/mol. Alliance Chemical supplies Nitric Acid 20% in Technical grade for laboratory, industrial, and commercial applications.

What are the physical properties of Nitric Acid 20%?

According to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Nitric Acid 20% is supplied as a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid. It has a melting point of -42°C, a boiling point of 83°C. The specific gravity is 1.11 relative to water. Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents.

What grade and purity of Nitric Acid 20% does Alliance Chemical offer?

Alliance Chemical offers Nitric Acid 20% in Technical grade with a purity assay of 20%. Every lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and GHS Revision 7. Download SDS.

What are common industrial applications of Nitric Acid 20%?

Nitric Acid 20% serves a wide range of sectors, including Industrial, Environmental, and Wastewater.Alliance Chemical provides the documentation and quality certifications required for use in regulated environments.

What PPE is required when handling Nitric Acid 20%?

OSHA-mandated PPE per 29 CFR 1910.132-138:Chemical-resistant gloves (20+ mil neoprene or PVC), full face shield over safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1), acid-resistant apron or chemical suit, closed-toe chemical-resistant footwear. Emergency eyewash station and safety shower must be accessible within 10 seconds per ANSI Z358.1. Consult the SDS available from Alliance Chemical for complete PPE requirements.

What are the storage requirements for Nitric Acid 20%?

Store perOSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450: Dedicated corrosives cabinet with secondary containment (110% volume per EPA 40 CFR 264.175). Temperature range:15-25°C. Segregate from:bases, reactive metals, organic materials. Maximum storage:2-3 years unopened.

What is the emergency spill procedure for Nitric Acid 20%?

Emergency response per EPA SPCC (40 CFR 112) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120: (1) Alert personnel, evacuate area to 50 feet. (2) Eliminate ignition sources if flammable. (3) Don PPE per SDS Section 8. (4) Stop leak if safe; use emergency shutoffs. (5) Contain with non-combustible absorbent materials, dike with sand/earth. (6)Carefully neutralize with sodium bicarbonate (5-10% solution), monitor exothermic reaction. (7) Collect in DOT-approved containers, label as hazardous waste. Check 40 CFR 302.4 for Reportable Quantity. Emergency: Chemtel 1-800-255-3924 (24/7). Non-emergency: Alliance Chemical 512-365-6838.

What is the DOT shipping classification for Nitric Acid 20%?

DOT Classification per 49 CFR 172.101:See SDS Section 14 for specific UN number, Hazard Class8 (Corrosive), Packing GroupII/III. Requires: Hazmat shipping papers (49 CFR 172.200), UN specification packaging (49 CFR 173), hazmat labels (172.400). Alliance Chemical ships all orders in DOT-compliant packaging with proper documentation.

How must Nitric Acid 20% waste be disposed?

Disposal per RCRA (40 CFR 261-265):Characteristic waste D002 (Corrosive, pH ≤2 or ≥12.5). Generator requirements: EPA ID number required if >100 kg/month (40 CFR 262.12). Use EPA-permitted Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF). Never discharge to sewer without POTW written approval (40 CFR 403). Container disposal: Triple rinse (40 CFR 261.7), offer for reconditioning/recycling. State regulations may be more stringent — check with your local environmental agency. Consult the Alliance Chemical SDS for product-specific disposal guidance.

Does Alliance Chemical provide an SDS and COA for Nitric Acid 20%?

Yes. Alliance Chemical provides a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot of Nitric Acid 20%. The SDS is prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7, covering all 16 required sections including hazard identification, first aid measures, firefighting measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, and regulatory information. The SDS is available for download directly from this product page. COAs are available upon request by contacting Alliance Chemical at 512-365-6838.