Nitric Acid vs Phosphoric Acid
Comprehensive comparison of Nitric Acid and Phosphoric Acid including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Nitric Acid | Phosphoric Acid | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 83°C | 158 °C | Phosphoric Acid boils 75°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Density | 1.5129 g/cm³ | 1.834 g/cm³ | Phosphoric Acid is denser |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water | Miscible with water | Both fully water soluble |
| pH | < 1 (concentrated) | < 1 (concentrated) | Nitric Acid is more acidic |
| Molecular Weight | 63.01 g/mol | 98.00 g/mol | Phosphoric Acid is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | -42°C (86% solution) | 42.35°C | Phosphoric Acid melts 84.35°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 48 mmHg at 20°C (86% solution) | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Density | 2.2 (air = 1) | 3.4 (air = 1) | Phosphoric Acid vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid | Clear, colorless, viscous liquid | |
| Odor | Pungent, suffocating | Odorless |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified April 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Nitric Acid Best For:
- Production of fertilizers
- Nitration reactions
- Metal etching
- Laboratory reagent
- Production of explosives
Phosphoric Acid Best For:
- Fertilizer production
- Metal surface treatment
- Rust removal
- pH adjustment
- Food additive
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Consult SDS for specific fire hazard information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Nitric Acid | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Check SDS | Flash-point data is incomplete for one or both products. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Nitric Acid if:
- You specifically need support for production of fertilizers applications.
- You specifically need support for nitration reactions applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
Choose Phosphoric Acid if:
- You specifically need support for fertilizer production applications.
- You specifically need support for metal surface treatment applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Nitric Acid | Phosphoric Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | 65% to 5% with industrial/lab procurement support. | 85% with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Nitric Acid and Phosphoric Acid in various grades and package sizes.