- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- ZS1254-20L: 20 L for labs and small process lines.
- SA9437-55: 55 gallon for production, water treatment, and battery programs.
Applications / Common Uses
- Battery electrolyte: Supplies lead-acid battery strength acid.
- pH control: Neutralizes alkaline wastewater and process streams.
- Metal pickling: Removes oxide scale from metals.
- Ion exchange regeneration: Regenerates cation exchange resins.
- 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.
- Incompatible materials: Bases, reactive metals (release hydrogen), organic materials, oxidizers and reducers, and cyanides or sulfides.
- Exposure limit (sulfuric acid mist): OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³ TWA.
- Spill response: Contain and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or an acid spill kit, then rinse with water.
- First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
- GHS signal word: Danger or Warning depending on concentration.
- DOT / shipping: UN2796, Sulfuric acid, Class 8.
Related Categories & Services
- Shop Acids for related products in this category.
- Explore ACS Grade Laboratory Chemicals and Inorganic 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.
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FAQs
Why is 36% sulfuric acid called battery acid?
Lead-acid batteries use sulfuric acid electrolyte in the mid-30% range by weight. Because 36% acid matches that strength, it is commonly called battery acid. Battery electrolyte density changes with state of charge, which is why hydrometers are used to check batteries. Confirm strength for battery use.
What does ACS grade mean for 36% sulfuric acid?
ACS specifications are written for concentrated sulfuric acid. A 36% solution labeled ACS grade is understood to be prepared from ACS reagent acid and high-purity water, giving low impurity levels at working strength. Confirm actual limits on the certificate of analysis for each lot. Ask Lab Pro for the certificate.
What is the molarity of 36% sulfuric acid?
Comparable sulfuric acid solutions near this strength have densities around 1.27 to 1.29 g/mL, which puts 36% acid at roughly 4.7 M, or about 9.3 N, since sulfuric acid is diprotic. Check the lot certificate for exact density when precise concentration matters. Use certificate values for precision.
How should a sulfuric acid drum be stored?
Store it on secondary containment in a ventilated area away from bases, reactive metals, organic materials, and oxidizers. Keep it sealed, use acid-rated drum pumps for dispensing, and inspect regularly for leaks. Post spill response and first aid information near the storage area. Keep spill kits nearby.
Is 36% sulfuric acid safer than concentrated acid?
It releases much less heat on dilution and is less dehydrating than 95 to 98% acid, but it is still strongly corrosive and causes severe burns. Wear goggles, a face shield, acid-resistant gloves, and an apron, and keep an eyewash and safety shower nearby. Never work alone.
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