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Acids and bases

Sulfuric acid vs nitric acid

Sulfuric acid (H2O4S, CAS 7664-93-9) and nitric acid (HNO3, CAS 7697-37-2) are both listed under inorganic acids.

Sulfuric acid has a molar mass of 98.08 g/mol, nitric acid 63.01 g/mol.

Measured boiling points are 337 °C for sulfuric acid and 83 °C for nitric acid.

Both carry the GHS signal word Danger.

Data last updated 7 October 2026

Sulfuric acid and nitric acid compared side by side
Sulfuric acid chemical structure, H2O4S, CAS 7664-93-9
Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid chemical structure, HNO3, CAS 7697-37-2
Nitric acid
Identity
Name in our databaseSulfuric acidNitric acid
CAS number7664-93-97697-37-2
Molecular formulaH2O4SHNO3
Molar mass98.08 g/mol63.01 g/mol
IUPAC namesulfuric acidnitric acid
EC number231-639-5231-714-2
Physical properties
AppearanceColorless, oily liquidTransparent, colorless, or yellowish, fuming, hygroscopic, corrosive liquid
Melting point10.3 °C-41.6 °C
Boiling point337 °C83 °C
Density1.8302 g/cm³1.5129 g/cm³ at 20 °C
SolubilityMiscible with water and alcohol with the generation of much heat and with contraction in volume.Very soluble in water
LogP (octanol/water)Computed from the structure-0.65-0.35
Safety (GHS)
Signal wordDangerDanger
Pictograms
GHS05: Corrosive
GHS03: Oxidiser
GHS05: Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Hazard statements
  • H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H272 May intensify fire, oxidiser.
  • H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H330 Fatal if inhaled.
UN numberUN 1831UN 2032
Uses and classification
Uses and functions
  • Acidulants and acidity regulators
  • PH adjusters
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Catalyst
  • Buffering
  • Cleaning agent
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Bronsted acid
  • Acid
  • Antineoplastic agent
  • Cardiovascular drug
  • Donor
CategoryInorganic chemicals › Inorganic acidsInorganic chemicals › Inorganic acids
HS code280700Sulphuric acid, oleum280800Nitric acid, sulphonitric acids
Market on CompoundList
SuppliersTrading restricted on CompoundList618 suppliers
Supplier countriesNot recorded74 countries, most in United States, India, China
Price rangeOnly prices set by suppliers who manage their own profileNot recordedPrice on request

Measured and computed values as shown on each chemical page, plus live listings on CompoundList. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Safety data is a summary, not an SDS.

Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid

More comparisons

Other common chemical pairs, compared the same way.