Nitric acid uses are involved in some of the most critical processes in modern industry, from feeding the world's crops to enabling the microchips in your devices.
According to a 2024 market analysis, the global nitric acid market was valued at approximately $32.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $49.19 billion by 2035, reflecting its indispensable role in global manufacturing. Whether you work in metal finishing, research, or chemical production, understanding nitric acid's properties and applications helps you choose the right grade for the job.
Lab Pro's Chemicals & Reagents collection includes multiple concentrations of nitric acid to meet laboratory and industrial requirements. This guide covers the top 10 nitric acid uses, a concentration selection table, and key safety considerations to keep your lab operating safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Nitric acid is one of the most versatile industrial chemicals in the world, with applications across agriculture, electronics, defense, and laboratory science.
- Fertilizer production accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of global nitric acid consumption, primarily in the form of ammonium nitrate.
- Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing are among the fastest-growing end-use sectors for high-purity nitric acid.
- Concentration selection is critical: using the wrong grade can result in incomplete reactions, equipment damage, or safety hazards.
- Appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat, is mandatory when handling nitric acid at any concentration.
- Lab Pro supplies nitric acid at 70%, 90%, and 98% concentrations to support a range of laboratory and industrial needs.
What Is Nitric Acid?
Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong inorganic mineral acid with a molecular weight of 63.01 g/mol and a density of 1.51 g/cm3. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that fully dissociates in water and reacts aggressively with metals, organic compounds, and reducing agents. Pure nitric acid is colorless, but samples often develop a yellow or brownish tint over time due to decomposition into nitrogen oxides. Commercially, it is most commonly sold as a 68% aqueous solution. Solutions exceeding 86% are classified as fuming nitric acid, which exists in two forms: white fuming (above 95%) and red fuming (above 86% with dissolved nitrogen dioxide).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | HNO3 |
| Molar Mass | 63.01 g/mol |
| Density | 1.51 g/cm3 (100%), 1.41 g/cm3 (68%) |
| Melting Point | -42 °C (-44 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 83 °C (181 °F) for pure; 121 °C for 68% solution |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow/red fuming liquid |
| Solubility in Water | Completely miscible |
| GHS Classification | GHS03 Oxidizing, GHS05 Corrosive — Signal Word: Danger |
| pKa | -1.4 (strong acid, fully dissociates in water) |
| Vapor Pressure | 48 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Log P (octanol/water) | -0.13 |
| Conjugate Base | Nitrate ion (NO3-) |
| Dipole Moment | 2.17 D |
How Nitric Acid Is Made
Most industrial nitric acid is produced using the Ostwald process, which converts ammonia into nitric acid using air as the oxygen source.
The Ostwald Process
Industrial nitric acid is produced using the Ostwald process. Ammonia and air react over a platinum-rhodium catalyst at high temperatures to form nitric oxide (NO). The NO is then oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and absorbed in water to produce nitric acid, typically at concentrations of 52-68%.
Higher concentrations require additional dehydration because nitric acid and water form an azeotrope. Concentrated sulfuric acid is commonly used to produce highly concentrated acid, while electronic and fuming grades undergo further purification.
Environmental Considerations
Nitric acid production generates nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution and acid rain. Modern facilities use scrubbers and catalytic reduction systems to reduce emissions and meet environmental regulations.
Top 10 Nitric Acid Uses
Nitric acid's combination of strong oxidizing power and reactivity with nitrogen-containing compounds makes it a cornerstone chemical across a surprisingly wide range of industries. Here are the ten most significant nitric acid uses in commercial and laboratory settings.
1. Fertilizer Production
The single largest use of nitric acid worldwide is the manufacture of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of the 26 million tonnes of nitric acid produced annually is used in fertilizer manufacturing. Nitric acid is neutralized with ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate, the most widely used nitrogenous fertilizer in the world. It is also combined with calcium carbonate to yield calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). Both compounds deliver bioavailable nitrogen to crops, directly supporting global food production.
2. Explosives Manufacturing
Nitric acid is a critical component in the production of explosives such as nitroglycerin, trinitrotoluol (TNT), and ammonium nitrate-based blasting agents. The nitration reaction, in which nitric acid introduces a nitro group (-NO2) onto organic molecules, is the foundational chemistry behind these materials. Applications span military munitions, mining, tunneling, quarrying, and large-scale construction and demolition. A small but significant portion of global ammonium nitrate production is directed to explosives rather than fertilizers.
3. Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing
One of the fastest-growing nitric acid uses is in electronics fabrication. High-purity electronic-grade nitric acid (99.5% or greater) is used to clean and etch silicon wafers, remove photoresist residues, and passivate metal surfaces during printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. A 2024 industry report highlighted semiconductor and electronics manufacturing as a key driver of growth in the nitric acid market, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where semiconductor output continues to expand rapidly. Trace impurity control is paramount in this application, which is why electronic-grade acid is held to extremely tight purity specifications.
4. Metal Passivation and Surface Finishing
Nitric acid is widely used in metal processing for passivation, pickling, and etching. Stainless steel is commonly passivated in 20-40% nitric acid solutions to remove free iron and improve corrosion resistance. Higher concentrations (65-70%) are used to etch copper, zinc, and silver in PCB manufacturing and precision metal fabrication. These processes are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries to meet strict performance and corrosion-resistance requirements.
5. Purifying and Assaying Precious Metals
Nitric acid is widely used in precious metal testing and refining because it reacts with most metals but not with gold or platinum. When mixed with hydrochloric acid to form aqua regia, it can dissolve noble metals. Jewelers and refiners use nitric acid to test metal purity, identify alloys, and remove impurities, while reagent-grade nitric acid is commonly used for precious metal analysis.
6. Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Nitric acid plays an increasingly prominent role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The nitration of aromatic organic compounds using nitric acid produces nitro intermediates that are subsequently reduced to amino compounds, forming the basis of numerous active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), dyes, and specialty chemicals. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the expanding downstream markets for nitric acid, driven by growing demand for synthetic drug molecules. Reagent-grade acid that meets ACS and ISO analytical specifications is required for this application.
7. Nylon and Polymer Production
Nitric acid plays an important role in the production of materials used in everyday products. It is used to manufacture adipic acid, a key precursor of nylon-6,6, which is found in automotive components, textiles, and engineering plastics. Nitric acid-based nitration reactions also produce intermediates used in polyurethane foams for furniture, insulation, and vehicle seating.
8. Dye and Pigment Manufacturing
Nitric acid initiates the nitration of benzene and other aromatic compounds to produce nitrobenzene, which is subsequently reduced to aniline. Aniline is the foundational building block for a wide range of synthetic dyes, pigments, and rubber processing chemicals. From fabric dyeing to ink formulation, nitric acid-derived intermediates are woven into the supply chains of the textile, printing, and coatings industries. When processed into calcium ammonium nitrate, nitric acid also enables the production of a range of commercial colorants with specific optical properties.
Explore Lab Pro's full range of Chemicals & Reagents, including multiple grades of nitric acid
9. Laboratory Use: Digestion, Cleaning, and Analysis
In laboratory environments, nitric acid uses are broad and operationally essential. It is a critical reagent for sample digestion in trace metal analysis by ICP-MS and ICP-OES, where biological and environmental matrices are dissolved in concentrated nitric acid to release analytes into solution. It is used to clean glassware and laboratory equipment, removing metal contamination that could interfere with subsequent analyses. It also serves as a preservative for water samples requiring metal analysis, as specified in EPA and Standard Methods protocols.
Lab Pro's Lab Accessories and Chemicals & Reagents pages carry reagent-grade nitric acid suitable for these critical analytical applications.
10. Engraving, Art, and Specialized Industrial Applications
Nitric acid is widely used for etching and surface treatment. In metallurgy, nitric acid mixed with alcohol (nital) is used to etch metals and reveal microstructures for analysis. Lower concentrations are used in printmaking and decorative metalwork to engrave copper, bronze, and brass. Nitric acid can also age wood finishes by reacting with natural tannins. Other specialized nitric acid uses include serving as an oxidizer in liquid rocket propellants, removing mineral scale from food-processing equipment, and supporting forensic drug testing through spot-reaction analysis.
Also, read
- Understanding Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) vs. Ethanol: A Comparison
- The Difference Between Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 99% and 70%
- Top 5 Uses of Sulfuric Acid
- Bleach And Ammonia Reaction: A Chemical Emergency Waiting To Happen
- Top 5 Uses of Hydrochloric Acid
Common Reactions Of Nitric Acid
Nitric acid acts as both a strong acid and a powerful oxidizing agent. Its behavior depends on concentration, temperature, and the material involved.
Reactions with Metals
Nitric acid reacts with most metals, producing metal nitrates and nitrogen oxides. Dilute nitric acid reacts with metals such as iron, zinc, and copper to produce nitric oxide (NO), while concentrated acid reacts more aggressively and often releases brown nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) fumes. Concentrated nitric acid also passivates stainless steel and aluminum by forming a protective oxide layer. Noble metals such as gold and platinum do not dissolve in nitric acid alone and require aqua regia, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids.
Nitration Reactions
Nitration is a major industrial use of nitric acid, in which a nitro group (-NO₂) is added to an organic compound. Using a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids, manufacturers produce chemicals such as nitrobenzene, TNT, and nitroglycerin. Because these reactions are highly exothermic, careful temperature control is essential.
Etching and Passivation
Nitric acid is widely used for metal finishing and electronics manufacturing. At moderate concentrations, it passivates stainless steel by forming a protective oxide layer. At higher concentrations, it etches metal surfaces for cleaning, analysis, and material removal. Common applications include PCB manufacturing, metallography, and semiconductor wafer cleaning.
Nitric Acid Concentration And Application
Selecting the correct concentration of nitric acid is just as important as selecting the right use case. Using a grade that is too dilute can result in incomplete reactions; using one that is too concentrated may cause unwanted side reactions, excessive fuming, or equipment corrosion.
| Concentration | Grade | Key Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 - 68% | Commercial / Technical | Fertilizer production, general industrial cleaning, metal pickling | Standard commercial grade; most commonly available |
| 70% | Technical / ACS | Metal etching, gold/silver cleaning, laboratory reagent | Good oxidizer; Lab Pro Nitric Acid 70% available |
| 90% (Yellow Fuming) | Strong Acid / Lab Reagent | Explosives manufacture, fertilizer, laboratory reagent | Also known as strong nitric acid; handle in a fume hood |
| 98% (White Fuming) | Fuming / High Purity | Nitrogen reagent, strong oxidizer, specialty organic synthesis | Primary reagent grade; corrosive fumes require full PPE |
| 99.5%+ (Electronic Grade) | Ultra-High Purity | Semiconductor wafer cleaning, PCB etching, trace metal analysis | Trace impurity specifications per SEMI standards |
Note: If using nitric acid in a laboratory setting, avoid metal pumps, as they will corrode them. Use pumps made of compatible plastics such as HDPE, PTFE, or polypropylene. Contact Lab Pro for guidance on selecting appropriate accessories.
Hazards And Safe Handling
Nitric acid is highly hazardous due to its strong acidity, oxidizing properties, and corrosive fumes. Safe handling requires proper training, PPE, and strict storage practices.
GHS Hazard Classification
Nitric acid is classified under two primary GHS hazard categories:
- GHS03 (Oxidizer): May intensify fire or react violently with combustible materials.
- GHS05 (Corrosive): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage and can corrode metals.
The signal word is Danger. Key hazard statements include:
- H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer.
- H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation.
Fuming nitric acid may also carry H330: Fatal if inhaled.
OSHA Exposure Limits
The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for nitric acid vapor is 2 ppm (5 mg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Both NIOSH and ACGIH recommend the same limit, while NIOSH sets a short-term exposure limit of 4 ppm over 15 minutes.
At concentrations above 25 ppm, nitric acid vapor is considered Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). Because concentrated and fuming nitric acid releases significant vapors, it should always be handled in a properly functioning chemical fume hood.
Required Personal Protective Equipment
- Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene recommended for concentrated acids)
- Safety goggles or a full-face shield
- Lab coat or chemical-resistant apron: Lab Pro's PPE & Safety Apparel collection includes appropriate options
- Work in a fume hood whenever handling fuming concentrations (86%+)
- Store in compatible containers: glass or HDPE, away from organics, reducing agents, and combustibles
- Nitric acid is classified as a GHS03 oxidizer and GHS05 corrosive: always consult the SDS before use
Storage and Incompatibilities
Proper storage is essential for safe nitric acid uses. Store nitric acid in a ventilated acid cabinet away from flammables, organic solvents, bases, and reducing agents. Use glass, HDPE, or PTFE containers, and keep concentrated or fuming grades in secondary containment. Always keep containers sealed and dispose of nitric acid in accordance with applicable hazardous waste regulations, including EPA requirements for corrosive waste (D002).
Source Your Nitric Acid From A Trusted Laboratory Supplier
Lab Pro Inc. has served laboratory and manufacturing customers for over 40 years, supplying high-quality chemicals, reagents, and lab essentials to medical device, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and electronics environments across California and worldwide.
Pair your chemical order with the appropriate PPE & Safety Apparel to ensure every handling step meets safety requirements.
For labs that need a consistent chemical supply without the burden of manual reordering, Lab Pro's VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) Program automates replenishment, so your team never runs short of critical reagents like nitric acid. It integrates with your existing procurement workflows, reduces administrative overhead, and ensures stock levels stay aligned with actual usage patterns.
You can also take advantage of our Subscribe and Save program for predictable pricing and scheduled deliveries on the chemicals you use most.
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FAQs
What are the most common nitric acid uses in a laboratory?
In laboratory settings, the most common uses of nitric acid include sample digestion for trace metal analysis by ICP-MS or ICP-OES, cleaning glassware to remove metal contamination, preserving water samples for metal analysis per EPA protocols, and reagent-grade reactions in analytical chemistry. Concentrations of 65-70% are most commonly used for these purposes.
What concentration of nitric acid should I choose for metal etching?
For nitric acid uses involving metal etching, such as PCB manufacturing or jewelry processing, concentrations of 65-70% are commonly used because they provide strong oxidizing power for dissolving metals like copper and silver. For stainless steel passivation, more dilute solutions in the 20-40% range are typically recommended. Always confirm concentration requirements with your specific process specifications and safety documentation.
Is nitric acid the same as fuming nitric acid?
No. Standard nitric acid typically contains 52-68% HNO₃, while fuming nitric acid contains more than 86% HNO₃ and releases visible nitrogen oxide fumes at room temperature. White fuming nitric acid exceeds 95% concentration, whereas red fuming nitric acid contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide. These high-purity grades support specialized nitric acid uses in aerospace, explosives manufacturing, and semiconductor processing, but require enhanced safety controls.
Can nitric acid dissolve gold?
Pure nitric acid cannot dissolve gold or platinum, which is why it has long been used to test precious metals. However, when mixed with hydrochloric acid to form aqua regia, it can dissolve gold and other noble metals. This is one of the most important nitric acid uses in precious metal refining and analytical laboratories.
What PPE is required when handling nitric acid?
Appropriate PPE for nitric acid uses includes chemical-resistant gloves (such as butyl rubber or neoprene), splash goggles or a face shield, and a lab coat or chemical-resistant apron. Work with concentrated nitric acid should always be performed in a properly functioning fume hood. Additional respiratory protection may be required when handling fuming grades or when exposure limits could be exceeded.
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