Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid with a distinctive pungent odor. This colorless to slightly yellow liquid is one of the most important industrial chemicals, widely used across manufacturing, electronics, agriculture, and laboratory applications. With a molecular weight of 63.01 g/mol and extremely low pH below 1, nitric acid serves as a powerful oxidizing agent and chemical intermediate in numerous industrial processes.
Key Applications
Fertilizer Production: Essential component in manufacturing ammonium nitrate and other nitrogen-based fertilizers that support global agriculture
Metal Etching & Processing: Removes oxides and scales from metal surfaces, particularly in steel pickling operations and precious metal refining
Semiconductor Manufacturing: Ultra-pure grades used for cleaning silicon wafers and removing organic contaminants in microelectronics fabrication
Chemical Synthesis: Key intermediate in producing nitro compounds, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals
Safety & Handling
Nitric acid is a non-flammable but highly reactive substance requiring extreme caution. While it has no flash point, it can intensify fires by acting as an oxidizer. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and face shields. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent inhalation of toxic vapors. Work in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods, as vapor density is 2.2 times heavier than air.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use only corrosion-resistant containers made of stainless steel or specialized plastics. Keep separate from organic materials, metals, and reducing agents to prevent dangerous reactions. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C for optimal stability and prevent concentration changes due to evaporation.
Why Alliance Chemical
Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of Nitric Acid Gallon Drum with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS, LTL, and FTL freight to meet your timeline requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.
Shipping & Availability
Parcel Shipping
UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.
LTL Freight
5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.
Full Truckload
FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.
Local Pickup
Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.
SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nitric acid (HNO3) and what is 69% nitric acid used for?
Nitric acid (HNO3, CAS 7697-37-2) is a strong inorganic acid and oxidizer; 69% is a common commercial concentration used for chemical synthesis, metal etching/pickling, production of nitrate salts, and laboratory reagents. It is used where a concentrated oxidizing acid is required but not the azeotropic or fuming grades.
How should I store a gallon drum of 69% nitric acid and what is its shelf life?
Store in a cool, well‑ventilated area away from heat, sunlight, organics and reducing agents in a tightly sealed, compatible container; keep secondary containment and spill control nearby. Shelf life is typically 6–12 months unopened; monitor for discoloration or NOx fumes as indicators of decomposition and consult the COA/SDS for specific storage limits.
What safety precautions and PPE are required when handling 69% nitric acid?
Use acid‑resistant gloves (butyl, Viton or equivalent), splash goggles, face shield, chemical apron, and work in a fume hood or well‑ventilated area; avoid inhalation of NOx fumes and prevent skin or eye contact. Have emergency eyewash and shower accessible and follow the product SDS for first‑aid and spill response procedures.
How does 69% nitric acid differ from weaker or more concentrated grades?
69% is a concentrated commercial grade with strong oxidizing power and moderate fuming; weaker (dilute) solutions are less corrosive and less oxidizing, while higher concentrations or fuming grades have increased volatility, stronger oxidizing behavior and greater hazard. Choose concentration based on reactivity, temperature control and compatibility with materials and processes.
What documentation is provided with a shipment of nitric acid (69%)?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS); transport paperwork (bill of lading, hazmat declarations) is supplied for shipments. Request copies before purchase to confirm concentration, impurities and handling requirements.
How is 69% nitric acid shipped and is a gallon drum a common packaging option?
Nitric acid is a regulated hazardous material (corrosive and oxidizer) and must be shipped in compliance with DOT/IATA/IMDG rules using appropriate UN‑rated containers; gallon drums and carboys in HDPE or fluoropolymer‑lined drums are common for commercial quantities. Ensure the carrier accepts oxidizing corrosives and that packages are correctly labeled and manifested.
What materials are compatible or incompatible with 69% nitric acid?
Compatible materials include borosilicate glass, PTFE, certain fluoropolymers and lined/compatible stainless steels (consult vendor for specific alloys). Avoid carbon steel, copper, brass, aluminum and many non‑fluorinated elastomers, as nitric acid is highly corrosive and may violently react with organics or reducing metals.
What are the typical technical specifications for nitric acid 69% (HNO3)?
Key specs: CAS 7697-37-2, formula HNO3, nominal concentration 69% w/w; typical density ≈1.41 g/mL at 20°C, colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Exact purity and impurity levels are provided on the COA from the supplier.
Which industries and processes commonly use 69% nitric acid?
Common industries include chemical manufacturing, metal finishing and pickling, electronics and semiconductor etching, laboratory synthesis and analytical labs, and nitrate salt production. It is used for nitration reactions, surface preparation, and other processes requiring a strong oxidizing acid.
How can I purchase 69% nitric acid in gallon drums and are there restrictions or lead times?
You can order through chemical distributors and specialty suppliers; purchases often require an account, documented intended use, and compliance with hazardous materials handling regulations. Lead times, minimum order quantities and transport restrictions vary by supplier and destination, so confirm availability and regulatory requirements with your vendor.
