Nitric acid

Nitric acid (CAS 7697-37-2), also known as spirit of niter, is a strong inorganic acid and powerful oxidizing agent used across industrial chemistry for acidification and metal processing. Its reactivity with metals and organic substrates makes it a primary feedstock in manufacturing rather than a specialty additive. In agriculture, it serves as a direct input for producing ammonium nitrate.

This links bulk acid procurement directly to crop nutrition supply chains. Metal finishing and electronics manufacturers use it to etch, passivate, and clean copper, stainless steel, and semiconductor substrates. Pharmaceutical and fine chemical producers rely on the acid for nitration reactions that introduce nitro groups into active pharmaceutical intermediates. It is essential for complex chemical synthesis.

In mining and hydrometallurgy, it dissolves base and precious metals during leaching and refining operations. This versatility makes it a staple in heavy industrial and metallurgical processing facilities. The product is supplied as an aqueous solution, with concentrations of 68% and 98–100% being the most commercially traded grades. Technical grade is standard for most industrial use cases.

Higher-purity electronic and reagent grades are available for semiconductor and analytical applications. Bulk liquid delivery in tankers and IBC containers is the norm for industrial buyers.