Chemical laboratory

Sulfuric Acid

High-Purity Industrial Acid for Manufacturing & Processing

  • CAS 7664-93-9
  • Formula H₂SO₄
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.84 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 337 °C °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.84 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph < 1 (concentrated) -
Molecular weight 98.08 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 10.4 °C °C
Vapor pressure < 0.001 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless, oily liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density 3.4 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most important industrial chemicals worldwide, serving as a cornerstone reagent in countless manufacturing processes. This clear, colorless, oily liquid with a molecular weight of 98.08 g/mol exhibits exceptional chemical reactivity and versatility. With its strong acidic properties (pH < 1 when concentrated) and complete miscibility with water, sulfuric acid delivers reliable performance across diverse industrial applications. Alliance Chemical supplies high-quality sulfuric acid that meets stringent industry standards for purity and consistency.

Key Applications

  • Fertilizer Production: Essential for manufacturing phosphate fertilizers, serving as the primary acid component in phosphoric acid production and soil amendment processes.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Critical catalyst and reagent in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and specialty chemical production requiring precise pH control.
  • Petroleum Refining: Used in alkylation processes, catalyst regeneration, and removal of impurities from refined petroleum products.
  • Metal Processing: Effective for pickling, cleaning, and etching metals, particularly in steel production and surface preparation applications.

Safety & Handling

Sulfuric acid requires strict safety protocols due to its highly corrosive nature. With no flash point or autoignition temperature, fire risk is minimal, but the chemical poses severe contact hazards. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including acid-resistant gloves, face shields, and chemical-resistant clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation when handling, as vapor density (3.4 times heavier than air) can cause vapors to accumulate in low areas. Never add water directly to concentrated acid; always add acid to water slowly to prevent violent exothermic reactions.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store sulfuric acid in corrosion-resistant containers such as high-density polyethylene or specialized steel tanks with proper venting systems. Maintain storage temperatures between 10-30°C to prevent freezing (melting point: 10.4°C) or excessive vapor generation. Keep containers tightly sealed and away from incompatible materials including metals, organic compounds, and strong bases. The chemical has excellent shelf stability when stored properly in original packaging away from moisture and contaminants.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable sulfuric acid supply from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for standard orders, and FTL for bulk requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Contact us today to discuss your Sulfuric Acid requirements and experience our commitment to chemical supply excellence.

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 sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and what is it used for?
Sulfuric acid (CAS 7664-93-9, formula H2SO4) is a strong mineral acid used as an industrial chemical reagent and laboratory acid. Common uses include chemical synthesis, acid catalysts, metal pickling, fertilizer (phosphate) production, petroleum refining, battery electrolyte preparation, and wastewater treatment.
How should sulfuric acid be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store sulfuric acid in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in compatible, tightly closed containers away from incompatible materials and ignition sources. When kept sealed in recommended containers (HDPE, fluoropolymers, lined steel) and stored properly, concentrated sulfuric acid is stable and effectively has an indefinite shelf life, though COA/TDS should be checked for purity before use.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling precautions are required for sulfuric acid?
Use chemical-resistant gloves (butyl/neoprene), splash goggles or face shield, acid-resistant apron and full protective clothing, and work in a fume hood or well-ventilated area; have eyewash and safety shower available. Never add water to acid (always add acid to water), and keep neutralizing agents (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) and spill kits on hand.
What are the differences between 96%, 93%, 70%, and 30% sulfuric acid and how are they typically applied?
Higher concentrations (93–96%) are strong dehydrating agents and common feedstock for chemical synthesis and industrial catalysts, while mid-range (around 70%) is used for metal treatment and intermediate processes; dilute solutions (≈30%) are used for pH adjustment, cleaning, and battery electrolytes. Select concentration based on process requirements and consult TDS/COA for exact composition and physical properties.
What documentation is provided with sulfuric acid shipments?
Typical documentation includes Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing assay and impurities, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), packing list, and any regulatory shipping papers. Customers can request batch-specific COAs and additional test reports as needed.
How is sulfuric acid classified for shipping and what packaging options are available?
Sulfuric acid is a corrosive substance (UN2796), Class 8; packing group depends on concentration (concentrated grades are typically PG II). Common packaging options include HDPE drums, lined steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and laboratory glass or plastic bottles, with secure secondary containment and proper labeling required.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with sulfuric acid?
Compatible materials commonly include glass, PTFE, PVDF, and certain fluoropolymers; some stainless steels (e.g., 316) may be acceptable at ambient temperature for dilute solutions, but corrosion depends on concentration and temperature. Avoid carbon steel, aluminum, zinc, and reactive metals; always consult a corrosion compatibility chart for your specific concentration and operating conditions.
What are the key technical specifications to expect for sulfuric acid products?
Key specs include CAS 7664-93-9, formula H2SO4, appearance (colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid), nominal concentration (e.g., 96%, 93%, 70%, 30%), and approximate densities (e.g., ~1.84 g/cm3 for ~96% and ~1.22 g/cm3 for ~30%). Exact physical and impurity data are provided on the COA/TDS for each batch.
Which industries and applications commonly use sulfuric acid?
Major industries include chemical manufacturing, fertilizer (phosphate) production, metallurgy and metal pickling, petroleum refining, battery manufacturing (lead-acid), mining, and water/wastewater treatment, as well as laboratories for analytical and synthetic work. Use and concentration depend on the specific process requirements.
How can I purchase sulfuric acid and what availability or regulatory requirements should I expect?
Sulfuric acid is available in standard concentrations in lab bottles, drums, IBCs, and bulk tankers; lead times and minimum order quantities vary by supplier. Because it is a hazardous chemical, commercial purchasers may need to provide business credentials, comply with local transport and storage regulations, and request SDS/COA prior to shipment.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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