- What it is. This nitric acid solution is a 30% (v/v) dilution of concentrated nitric acid in water, supplied in a 1 L size. It is a clear, colorless, corrosive oxidizing acid used for passivation, metal cleaning, digestion, and acid washing.
- What 30% (v/v) means. The concentration is by volume: 30 parts concentrated nitric acid made up to 100 parts with water. Starting from 70% acid at about 15.8 M, a 30% (v/v) solution is roughly 4.7 M (calculated), strong enough to dissolve many metals while fuming far less than concentrated acid.
- An oxidizing acid at working strength. Nitric acid both acidifies and oxidizes. At this strength, it dissolves copper, silver, and many alloys as soluble nitrates, removes free iron from stainless steel surfaces, and oxidizes organic residues on labware.
- Stainless steel passivation. Dilute nitric acid (20-50%) is the traditional passivating acid for stainless steel. It removes free iron and surface contamination, allowing the chromium-rich passive oxide layer to form and improving corrosion resistance.
- Acid washing labware. For trace-metal analysis, soak labware in dilute nitric acid, then rinse thoroughly with deionized water. The acid strips adsorbed metals from glass and plastic surfaces, lowering analytical blanks.
- Why buy it pre-diluted. Diluting concentrated nitric acid releases heat and nitrogen oxide fumes, and measurement errors change the final strength. A ready-made 30% (v/v) solution gives consistent strength from batch to batch and avoids handling concentrated acid.
- Handling at a glance. Thirty-percent nitric acid causes severe burns and stains skin yellow. Wear chemical splash goggles and acid-resistant gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and keep it away from organic materials and solvents, which can react violently with nitric acid.
- Checking strength. For applications that depend on exact acid strength, titrate a measured volume against standardized sodium hydroxide using phenolphthalein to confirm molarity before use.
- Related products. For other strengths, Lab Pro stocks Nitric Acid 6.0 N, 500 mL, and concentrated Nitric Acid 70%, ACS Grade (500 mL, 2.5 L).
- Where it is used. Thirty-percent nitric acid is used for stainless steel passivation, metal cleaning and etching, labware acid washing for trace-metal work, sample digestion, and electronics and plating processes that call for dilute nitric acid.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | Nitric acid, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers | 7697-37-2 (nitric acid); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (HNO3) | 231-714-2 |
| Synonyms | Dilute nitric acid, aqua fortis (diluted) |
| Formula (active) | HNO3 |
| Molecular Weight (active) | 63.01 g/mol |
| Concentration | 30% (v/v) of concentrated nitric acid |
| Approximate Molarity | About 4.7 M (calculated from 70% acid at about 15.8 M) |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Physical State | Liquid, aqueous solution |
| Hazard Profile | Corrosive; oxidizing (confirm GHS on SDS) |
| DOT | UN2031, Nitric acid, Class 8; SDS |
| Exposure Limits | OSHA PEL 2 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 2 ppm TWA, 4 ppm STEL |
| Package Size | 1 L |
Applications / Common Uses
- Stainless steel passivation: Removes free iron so the passive layer can form.
- Labware acid washing: Strips trace metals from glass and plastic.
- Metal cleaning and etching: Dissolves oxides and metal deposits.
- Sample digestion: Supports dissolution for elemental analysis.
- Plating and electronics: Supplies dilute nitric acid for process baths.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: 30% nitric acid is corrosive and oxidizing. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage, stains skin yellow, and can react violently with organic materials. Wear chemical splash goggles and acid-resistant gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Store tightly closed in a cool, ventilated cabinet for oxidizing acids, separated from organic materials, solvents, bases, metals, and reducing agents. When diluting further, always add acid slowly to water.
- Incompatible materials: Organic materials and solvents, organic acids, bases, reducing agents, and metal powders.
- Exposure limits (nitric acid): OSHA PEL 2 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 2 ppm TWA, 4 ppm STEL.
- Spill response: Contain with inert non-combustible absorbent and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or an acid spill kit.
- First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Related Categories & Services
- Shop Acids for related products in this category.
- Explore Buffers, Standards & Solutions and ACS Grade Laboratory Chemicals.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Program: Lab Pro can stock, track, and replenish this item on site so it never runs out. Contact info@labproinc.com or 888-452-2776 to set up a VMI assessment.
