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What it is. This sulfuric acid is a 36% (w/w) aqueous solution prepared at ACS grade, offered in 20 L and 55 gallon sizes. It is a clear, colorless, strongly acidic liquid for industrial processing, battery and electrolyte applications, pH control, and large-scale cleaning.
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What 36% (w/w) means. Every 100 g of solution contains 36 g of sulfuric acid. Comparable solutions near this strength have a density of about 1.27 to 1.29 g/mL, which puts 36% acid at roughly 4.7 M, about 9.3 N (calculated).
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ACS grade at working strength. ACS specifications apply to concentrated sulfuric acid (95 to 98%). A 36% solution labeled ACS grade is understood to be prepared from ACS reagent acid and high-purity water, providing low metal and anion background at a safer working strength. Confirm specifications on the certificate.
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Battery electrolyte strength. Sulfuric acid in the mid-30% range is the strength used as lead-acid battery electrolyte, which is why it is commonly called battery acid. Its density is used to monitor battery state of charge.
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Industrial and process uses. At this strength, sulfuric acid is used for pH control and neutralization of alkaline wastewater, metal pickling and cleaning, regeneration of cation exchange resins, and as a process acid where concentrated acid would be harder to handle.
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Safer than concentrated acid. Thirty-six percent sulfuric acid releases far less heat on further dilution and is less dehydrating than 95 to 98% acid, though it is still strongly corrosive. Buying it at working strength avoids the hazards of diluting concentrated acid in-house.
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Two bulk sizes. The 20 L size (ZS1254-20L) suits labs and small process lines, while the 55 gallon drum (SA9437-55) supplies production, water treatment, and battery maintenance programs.
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Handling at a glance. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and acid-resistant gloves and apron. Store on secondary containment away from bases, metals, and organic materials, and use acid-rated pumps for transfers. Acid mists from strong inorganic acids are classified as carcinogenic, so control spray and mist.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Sulfuric acid, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers |
7664-93-9 (sulfuric acid); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (H2SO4) |
231-639-5 |
| Synonyms |
Battery acid, electrolyte acid, oil of vitriol (concentrated) |
| Formula (active) |
H2SO4 |
| Molecular Weight (active) |
98.08 g/mol |
| Concentration |
36% (w/w) |
| Grade |
ACS (prepared from ACS reagent acid; confirm on CofA) |
| Density (comparable solutions) |
About 1.27 to 1.29 g/mL |
| Approximate Molarity |
About 4.7 M (about 9.3 N), calculated |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Hazard Profile |
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; corrosive to metals |
| DOT (comparable 37% acid) |
UN2796, Sulfuric acid, with not more than 51 percent acid, Class 8, PG II |
| Exposure Limit (mist) |
OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³ TWA |
| Package Sizes |
20 L; 55 gallon |
Available Variants
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ZS1254-20L: 20 L for labs and small process lines.
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SA9437-55: 55 gallon for production, water treatment, and battery programs.
Applications / Common Uses
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Battery electrolyte: Supplies lead-acid battery strength acid.
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pH control: Neutralizes alkaline wastewater and process streams.
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Metal pickling: Removes oxide scale from metals.
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Ion exchange regeneration: Regenerates cation exchange resins.
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Process acid: Provides working-strength acid for production.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: This sulfuric acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is corrosive to metals. Always add acid slowly to water, never water to acid. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield for larger volumes, and acid-resistant gloves.
Store tightly closed in a corrosives cabinet away from bases, reactive metals, organic materials, and water-reactive substances. Use secondary containment and acid-rated pumps for larger sizes. When diluting, always add acid slowly to water, never water to acid, since dilution releases heat.
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Incompatible materials: Bases, reactive metals (release hydrogen), organic materials, oxidizers and reducers, and cyanides or sulfides.
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Exposure limit (sulfuric acid mist): OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³ TWA.
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Spill response: Contain and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or an acid spill kit, then rinse with water.
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First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
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GHS signal word: Danger or Warning depending on concentration.
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DOT / shipping: UN2796, Sulfuric acid, Class 8.
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