- What it is. This sulfuric acid is a 70% (w/w) aqueous solution, supplied in a 1-gallon size. It is a dense, highly corrosive acid used in textile processing, chemical manufacturing, digestion, and applications that need strong acid without full concentration.
- How concentrated it is. Comparable 70% (w/w) products have a density of about 1.61 g/mL, which equals roughly 1,127 g of H2SO4 per liter, about 11.5 M or 23 N (calculated). It boils near 165 °C.
- Between dilute and concentrated. Seventy-percent acid retains much of the strength and dehydrating power of concentrated sulfuric acid while releasing less heat on further dilution. Historically, lead chamber processes produced acid of roughly this strength.
- Textile and processing uses. Sulfuric acid near 70% is used in textile processing, including carbonizing wool to remove plant matter, and in chemical manufacturing, fertilizer production, and metal treatment.
- Laboratory uses. In the lab, 70% sulfuric acid serves as a strong, non-volatile acid for digestions and hydrolysis, a dehydrating medium, and a stock for preparing more dilute solutions.
- Dehydrating power. At this strength, sulfuric acid chars sugars, paper, wood, and many organic materials and can cause deep tissue burns. Keep it away from organic materials and combustibles.
- Diluting safely. Diluting 70% acid releases substantial heat. Add it slowly to cold water with stirring, preferably in an ice bath, and never add water to the acid.
- Related products. For more dilute acid, see Lab Pro's Sulfuric Acid 50% (w/w) Solution, 1 Gallon. For concentrated ACS acid, see Sulfuric Acid 96%, ACS Grade, 500 mL.
- Absorbs moisture. Strong sulfuric acid absorbs water from the air, slowly diluting itself and increasing volume. Keep containers tightly closed to maintain the stated concentration.
- Handling at a glance. Work in a fume hood with chemical splash goggles, a face shield, acid-resistant gloves, and an apron. Store in secondary containment in a corrosives cabinet, away from bases, metals, and organic materials.
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 | Oil of vitriol (concentrated), battery acid (dilute), H2SO4 solution |
| Formula (active) | H2SO4 |
| Molecular Weight (active) | 98.08 g/mol |
| Equivalent Weight | 49.04 (diprotic; normal = 2 x molar) |
| Concentration | 70% (w/w) |
| Density (comparable products) | About 1.61 g/mL |
| Approximate Molarity | About 11.5 M (about 23 N), calculated |
| H2SO4 per Liter | About 1,127 g (calculated) |
| Boiling Point (comparable) | About 165 °C |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly tan liquid |
| Hazard Profile | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; dehydrating; corrosive to metals |
| DOT (comparable 72% product) | UN1830, Sulfuric acid, Class 8, PG II |
| Exposure Limit (mist) | OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³ TWA |
| Package Size | 1 gallon |
Applications / Common Uses
- Textile processing: Carbonizes wool and treats fibers.
- Digestion and hydrolysis: Provides strong, non-volatile acid.
- Chemical manufacturing: Supplies process acid.
- Metal treatment: Supports pickling and surface treatment.
- Stock dilutions: Prepares weaker sulfuric acid solutions.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: This sulfuric acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage, reacts violently with water, and corrodes metals. Always add acid slowly to water, never water to acid. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, acid-resistant gloves, and an apron, and work in a fume hood.
Store tightly closed in a corrosives cabinet away from bases, reactive metals, organic materials, and water-reactive substances. 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 Inorganic Chemicals 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.
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FAQs
What is the molarity of 70% sulfuric acid?
Comparable 70% (w/w) solutions have a density near 1.61 g/mL, which gives about 1,127 g of sulfuric acid per liter, roughly 11.5 M or 23 N. Use certificate values for exact work, since density varies slightly with temperature and lot. Normality is double molarity. Label diluted solutions.
What is 70% sulfuric acid used for?
It is used in textile processing, including carbonizing wool, in chemical and fertilizer manufacturing, metal treatment, digestions and hydrolysis, and as a stock for dilute acid. It offers strong acidity and dehydrating power with less heat on dilution than concentrated acid. Choose it when concentrated acid is unnecessary.
Why does sulfuric acid char organic materials?
Strong sulfuric acid removes water from sugars, cellulose, and other organic compounds so aggressively that it leaves behind carbon. That dehydrating action is why it blackens paper and wood and causes deep burns. Keep it away from organics and combustibles. Rinse any contact immediately. Keep paper away.
How do I dilute 70% sulfuric acid?
Add the acid slowly to cold water while stirring, ideally in an ice bath, and never add water to acid. Dilution releases substantial heat. Wear goggles, a face shield, and acid-resistant gloves; work in a fume hood; and cool before adjusting to final volume. Label the result.
How is 70% sulfuric acid shipped?
Sulfuric acid above 51% ships under UN1830, Sulfuric acid, Class 8. Comparable 70 to 72% products are listed as Packing Group II. Confirm the exact shipping description and any carrier restrictions on the product safety data sheet. Ground transport with hazmat handling is typical. Plan shipments accordingly.
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