CAS 7697-37-2 · Strong Oxidizing Mineral Acid
Nitric Acid
HNO₃ · MW 63.01 g/mol · Strong Oxidizer
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies nitric acid to metal fabricators, electronics manufacturers, fertilizer producers, and industrial operations across Texas. Available at 67–70% industrial concentration in drums and totes, every shipment includes full SDS documentation, HAZMAT compliance paperwork (UN2031), and lot traceability — because a supplier who cuts corners on documentation is a liability you don't need. Serving Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and all major Texas industrial corridors from our Fort Worth distribution center.
Formula
HNO₃
Boiling Point
83 °C (68%)
pH (1%)
<1.0
Grades
Dilute · Conc. · Fuming
Structural Formula
Strong acid and powerful oxidizer — the nitro group enables nitration of organic compounds
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 4 — Severe hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 3 — Severe hazard (oxidizer)
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 2 ppm (5 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV-TWA
- 2 ppm
- ACGIH TLV-STEL
- 4 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 8 — Corrosive / 5.1 Oxidizer
- UN Number
- UN 2031 (conc.) / UN 2032 (fuming)
Extremely corrosive and oxidizing — causes severe burns and ignites organic materials. Full acid PPE required. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | HNO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 63.01 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 7697-37-2 |
| Boiling Point | 83 °C (68% solution) |
| Melting Point | −42 °C (pure) |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable (strong oxidizer) |
| Density | 1.41 g/cm³ (68% solution) |
| Vapor Pressure | 6.4 kPa at 20 °C (68%) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water in all proportions |
| pH (1% solution) | <1.0 |
| Color | Colorless to pale yellow (fuming: red-brown) |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | Non-flammable — strong oxidizer |
Industrial Applications
Fertilizer Production (Ammonium Nitrate)
Over 80% of global nitric acid production goes to fertilizer manufacture. Nitric acid reacts with ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate — a high-nitrogen fertilizer and explosive precursor.
Metal Etching & Passivation
Etching agent for copper, brass, and stainless steel in electronics and metalworking. Nitric acid passivates stainless steel by dissolving surface iron and promoting a protective chromium oxide layer.
Explosives & Propellants
Nitration agent for producing TNT, nitroglycerin, RDX, and nitrocellulose. Mixed acid (HNO₃ + H₂SO₄) is the standard nitrating mixture for aromatic compounds.
Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing
Etchant for copper in PCB fabrication. Nitric acid selectively dissolves copper while leaving the substrate intact, enabling precise circuit pattern definition.
Analytical Chemistry
Digestion acid for dissolving metals and alloys prior to ICP-MS, AAS, and other elemental analysis techniques. Nitric acid oxidizes organic matter and dissolves most metals without introducing chloride interference.
Stainless Steel Pickling
Component of mixed acid pickling baths (HNO₃ + HF) for removing heat tint and scale from stainless steel after welding and heat treatment. Restores corrosion resistance of the passivated surface.
Why Source Nitric Acid from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial acids to Texas manufacturers
- Dilute, concentrated, and fuming grades available
- Proper oxidizer-rated packaging and placarding
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Nitric Acid vs. Alternatives
Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing mineral acid used in fertilizer production, metal etching, and explosives manufacturing. Here's how it compares.
| Attribute | Nitric Acid | Hydrochloric Acid | Sulfuric Acid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxidizing Power | Strong oxidizer — dissolves most metals | Non-oxidizing — reducing conditions | Oxidizing at high concentration |
| Concentration Available | 68% (dilute), 70%, fuming (>90%) | 31–37% | 93–98%, 66°Bé, 50% |
| Primary Use | Fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), explosives, metal etching | Steel pickling, oil well acidizing | Fertilizers, batteries, metal treatment |
| Stainless Steel Passivation | Yes — standard passivation acid | No — causes pitting corrosion | Yes — alternative passivation |
| Fume Color | Yellow-brown NO2 fumes (fuming grade) | White HCl fumes | Colorless fumes at ambient temp |
Industries We Supply Nitric Acid To
Fertilizer Manufacturing
Nitric acid reacts with ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate, a key nitrogen fertilizer and explosive precursor used across Texas agriculture.
Nitric Acid supply in Lubbock, TXMetal Etching & Passivation
Used for stainless steel passivation per ASTM A967, copper etching in PCB manufacturing, and bright dipping of aluminum and brass.
Nitric Acid supply in Houston, TXExplosives & Propellants
Nitric acid is a key raw material in the production of TNT, RDX, nitroglycerin, and other energetic materials for mining and defense.
Nitric Acid supply in Beaumont, TXSemiconductor & Electronics
Used in silicon wafer cleaning, gold etching, and surface preparation processes in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
Nitric Acid supply in Austin, TX