Product Overview
Nitric Acid 25% is a Technical Grade aqueous solution of HNO₃ formulated at a working concentration that balances oxidizing strength with manageable reactivity. At this strength, it delivers the corrosive and oxidizing behavior industrial processes demand—metal etching, passivation, pH adjustment—while reducing the fuming and thermal hazards associated with concentrated nitric acid.
This product ships as a Class 8 corrosive (UN2031, Packing Group II) under DOT regulation (per 49 CFR 172.101). Every order includes a Safety Data Sheet and a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Available to order in sizes from 1 liter bottles through 55-gallon drums, this concentration serves buyers across electronics fabrication, water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and fertilizer production.
Why This Concentration
The 25% concentration sits at a practical midpoint in the nitric acid range. It is strong enough to etch and passivate metals, dissolve oxides, and drive oxidation reactions—but dilute enough that operators handle it with standard acid-rated PPE rather than the specialized protocols concentrated grades require.
If your process needs only mild acidification or gentle pH trimming, Nitric Acid 5% or Nitric Acid 20% may be sufficient and will reduce material handling requirements. For more aggressive work—pickling thick steel, high-rate dissolution, or concentrated nitrate production—Nitric Acid 40% or Nitric Acid 65% ACS Grade deliver higher reaction rates per unit volume. Operations requiring the tightest analytical controls may reach for Nitric Acid 70% ACS Grade – Low Particle.
The 25% strength also simplifies dilution math for operators who titrate to a target concentration on the production floor. Starting from a quarter-strength solution reduces the exotherm during further dilution compared to cutting from a concentrated stock.
Chemical Profile
Nitric Acid 25% (CAS 7697-37-2) is an aqueous solution with molecular formula HNO₃ and a molecular weight of 63.013 g/mol. The liquid presents as pale yellow to reddish brown with a characteristic choking odor. Reddish brown vapors form above the solution surface. Density measures 1.147 at 25% w/w and 20 °C, or approximately 12 lb per gallon. The solution is fully miscible with water and exhibits a vapor pressure of 48 mmHg. It is corrosive to metals and tissue, and a strong oxidizer that can accelerate the burning of combustible material on contact.
Industrial Applications
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Metal Etching — In electronics and semiconductor fabrication, 25% nitric acid etches copper, aluminum, and other metals with controlled bite rates. The diluted concentration gives operators finer control over etch depth and surface finish compared to stronger formulations.
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Passivation — Stainless steel fabricators use nitric acid to passivate freshly machined or welded parts, dissolving free iron from the surface and promoting the formation of a protective chromium oxide layer. The 25% strength is typical for passivation baths where moderate acid contact time is acceptable.
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pH Control — Water treatment plants and industrial process loops dose nitric acid to lower pH. At 25%, operators achieve measured adjustments without the sharp pH swings that concentrated acid can introduce into a recirculating system.
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Nitrate Production — Fertilizer manufacturers use nitric acid as a feedstock for producing ammonium nitrate and other nitrate compounds. The 25% solution serves as a controlled-strength input for reaction vessels where heat management matters.
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Oxidizing Agent — Chemical manufacturing operations use nitric acid as an oxidizing agent in synthesis steps. The 25% strength moderates reaction intensity while still providing the oxidizing environment the chemistry requires.
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Analytical and Laboratory Use — Laboratories use this Technical Grade nitric acid for sample digestion, glassware cleaning, and preparing standards where the Technical designation is appropriate for the procedure.
Handling & Storage
Nitric Acid 25% carries a signal word of Danger (per the product’s GHS classification). The governing hazard statements are:
- H290 — May be corrosive to metals (per the product’s GHS classification)
- H314 — Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (per the product’s GHS classification)
- H332 — Harmful if inhaled (per the product’s GHS classification)
Operators must wear acid-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, and a face shield when handling. Work in a well-ventilated area or under local exhaust ventilation to control vapor exposure—the characteristic choking odor indicates vapor concentrations that demand respiratory protection if ventilation is insufficient.
Store in corrosion-resistant containers such as HDPE or borosilicate glass, in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Keep away from reducing agents, organic materials, and combustible substances—nitric acid is a strong oxidizer, and contact with these materials can accelerate combustion or cause ignition. Segregate from bases and incompatible metals per your facility’s chemical hygiene plan.
Hazmat & Shipping
Nitric Acid 25% is a regulated hazardous material for transport. The governing classification:
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UN Number: UN2031 (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Hazard Class: 8 — Corrosive (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Packing Group: II (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Proper Shipping Name: Nitric acid, other than red fuming, with less than 65 percent nitric acid (per 49 CFR 172.101)
All shipments from our Taylor, TX facility are prepared by DOT-trained personnel, labeled and documented per 49 CFR requirements. Shipping documentation, including a Safety Data Sheet, accompanies every order.
Documentation
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) ships with every order, available in English, Spanish, French, and Japanese. A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available on request. Lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are provided for traceability and incoming QC verification—request one with your order or contact us for a sample COA before purchasing.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
Nitric Acid 25% is available to order from 1 liter bottles to 55-gallon drums, with full DOT-compliant hazmat shipping documentation prepared for every container that leaves our facility. Alliance Chemical has served over 50,000 customers since 1998, and our warehouse in Taylor, Texas ships regulated hazardous materials daily under USDOT registration #2188383. Shipping and handling guidance on this page has been reviewed by Andre Taki, DOT Hazmat Specialist.
