Product Overview
Nitric acid 69% is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid used across numerous heavy industrial processes. At Alliance Chemical, we supply this technical grade formulation in robust 55-gallon drums to meet the intensive demands of large-scale chemical processing in our acids collection. This clear to pale yellow liquid—with the molecular formula HNO3 and CAS number 7697-37-2—acts as a powerful oxidizing agent that facilitates rapid chemical reactions, surface passivation, and precise compound synthesis. Industries rely on this specific concentration for its consistent thermodynamic properties and reliable reactivity.
Our nitric acid is carefully packaged to maintain its purity and stability during transport and storage. As a critical reagent in various industrial settings, this product undergoes strict quality control measures to ensure that it meets the rigorous standards required for your operations. We understand that chemical consistency is vital for maintaining process efficiency and preventing unexpected reaction variations. Whether you are using it for metal etching, chemical synthesis, or complex industrial cleaning, this 55-gallon drum format provides the high volume necessary to support continuous production cycles while minimizing container swap-over frequency.
Why This Grade
Technical grade is the industrial tier of nitric acid: a 69% solution supplied for work where oxidizing strength and consistent concentration matter, but certified limits on trace impurities are not written into the process. Stainless steel passivation, pickling and descaling of steel, etching and brightening of brass and copper, industrial cleaning of boilers and heat exchangers, and use as an intermediate in nitrate and chemical manufacturing all run on this grade, and it is the cost-effective choice for them. It is not supplied as ACS, reagent, or laboratory grade. If your protocol names one of those tiers, or your downstream analysis depends on certified trace-impurity limits, specify that grade when you order. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is available on request.
Choosing the 69% concentration instead of lower concentrations is necessary for applications requiring specific thermodynamic kinetics or strong oxidizing potential. Lower concentrations may not sufficiently passivate stainless steel surfaces, leading to incomplete oxide barrier formation and subsequent localized corrosion or pitting. Conversely, using highly concentrated or fuming grades when 69% is specified can result in overly aggressive reactions, dangerous off-gassing, or premature degradation of handling equipment. Our 69% formulation strikes the ideal balance for optimal reaction rates, reliable passivation, and safe, predictable handling in industrial-scale processes.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 7697-37-2
- Chemical Formula
- HNO3
- Molecular Weight
- 63.013 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- 181 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
- Melting Point
- -44 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
- Specific Gravity
- 1.5 at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
- Appearance
- Nitric acid, other than red fuming appears as a pale yellow to reddish brown liquid with reddish brown vapors and a suffocating odor. Very toxic by inhalation. Corrosive to metals or tissue. Accelerates the burning of combustible material and may cause ignition of combustible materials upon contact. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations may result in adverse health effects. Density 12 lb / gal.
- Solubility
- Miscible (NIOSH, 2024)
- UN Number
- UN2031
- Hazard Class
- Class 8
- Packing Group
- II
- Proper Shipping Name
- Nitric acid, other than red fuming, with at least 65 percent, but not more than 70 percent nitric acid
- GHS Signal Word
- DANGER
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- Metal Surface Passivation: Used for cleaning and passivating stainless steel components in aerospace and manufacturing environments to restore corrosion resistance by removing free iron.
- Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a vital reactant in the production of nitrogen-containing compounds, including nitrates, specialized organic intermediates, and industrial dyes.
- Ore and Metal Dissolution: Used to dissolve metals and ore concentrates in industrial refining and metal recovery operations.
- Industrial Cleaning and Descaling: Formulated into specialized heavy-duty descaling agents for removing mineral deposits and rust from high-capacity industrial boilers, heat exchangers, and piping systems.
- Electroplating and Metal Etching: Utilized to clean and prepare metal surfaces prior to electroplating or to selectively etch copper and brass in specialized metallurgical applications.
Hazmat & Shipping
Nitric Acid 69% Technical Grade is classified as a hazardous material for transport and handling. It is regulated under UN number UN2031, Hazard Class 8, with Packing Group II. The proper shipping name is Nitric acid, other than red fuming, with at least 65 percent, but not more than 70 percent nitric acid. This material carries the signal word DANGER and is associated with multiple severe hazards, including H272, H314, and H330. Due to its status as a strong oxidizer and corrosive liquid, transport must comply strictly with Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat regulations, and the product is shipped only via certified hazmat carriers in approved containment.
Handling this substance requires rigorous safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to mitigate the risks defined by these GHS hazard codes. To protect against severe skin burns and eye damage (H314), personnel must wear chemical-resistant gloves (such as butyl or neoprene), protective aprons, and full-face shields. To address the inhalation hazard (H330), operations should be conducted in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods, with workers equipped with appropriate respiratory protection. Because it can intensify fire (H272), keep this product isolated from combustible materials, organic compounds, and reducing agents during transport and storage.
Handling & Storage
Proper storage of Nitric Acid 69% Technical Grade is critical to prevent hazardous reactions and material degradation. Store this product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, maintaining temperatures ideally between 40°F and 80°F. Ensure complete compatibility of storage containers, utilizing materials such as fluoropolymers (PTFE/PFA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or specially treated glass, while avoiding mild steel, copper, or aluminum which are rapidly corroded. Keep this acid strictly isolated from incompatible substances, including organic solvents, strong bases, active metals, and combustible organic materials, to prevent exothermic reactions and dangerous off-gassing.
Order & Documentation
We ensure that your procurement process is fully supported by comprehensive documentation. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to assist you in establishing safety and compliance protocols at your facility, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request to verify the exact chemical parameters of your specific batch. To secure your bulk supply or to inquire about custom delivery options, please Request a Quote for your facility or Download the SDS directly from our online portal to review handling requirements.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.
