Safety data sheet reference · CAS 7664-93-9
Sulfuric acid SDS
also: sulfuric acid MSDS · safety data sheet · H2SO4 · CAS 7664-93-9 · EC 231-639-5 · battery acid · oil of vitriol
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
7664-93-9
EC number
231-639-5
CLP Annex VI index
016-020-00-8
Molecular formula
H2O4S
Structural formula
H2SO4
Molar mass
98.08 g/mol
§ 02 · Hazards identification
Sulfuric acid harmonised EU classification
CLP Annex VI · Index 016-020-00-8. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.
Concentration / form dependent — CLP Note B
Sulfuric acid is placed on the market in different concentrations or forms whose classification can differ. This page shows the harmonised Annex VI entry for the substance as such — always match the supplier's SDS to the concentration and form you actually use.
Precautionary statements
Codes ending in a colon introduce the action that follows — on a label they are printed as combined statements, such as P305+P351+P338.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Sulfuric acid molecular structure
Sulfuric acid is a molecular compound. The skeletal formula below is drawn from its PubChem SMILES string, and every value in this section is computed from that structure.
2D skeletal formula · H2SO4
Hybridisation
O sp³ ×2, sp² ×2 · S sp³
Molecular geometry
tetrahedral · 109.5° ideal
Electron count
32 valence e⁻ · 8 lone pairs
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string. Geometry and hybridisation are computed from the connection table, not measured.
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Sulfuric acid first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry SULFURIC ACID. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Caution: Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sulfuric Acid Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute ingestion of sulfuric acid may be severe and include salivation, intense thirst, difficulty in swallowing, pain, and shock. Oral, esophageal, and stomach burns are common. Vomitus generally has a coffee-ground appearance. The potential for circulatory collapse is high following ingestion of sulfuric acid. Acute inhalation exposure may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, dyspnea (shortness of breath), respiratory tract irritation, and chest pain. Bleeding of nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with sulfuric acid, irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in severe burns, pain, and dermatitis (red, inflamed skin).
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to sulfuric acid may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to sulfuric acid. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to sulfuric acid. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Rinse mouth with large amounts of water. Instruct victims not to swallow the water. 3. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize! 4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 5. Activated charcoal is of no value. 6. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Source: EPA, 1998 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Sulfuric acid fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 137 Substances - Water-Reactive - CorrosiveERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 137 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
It is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, it emits highly toxic fumes. Avoid heat; water and organic materials. Sulfuric acid is explosive or incompatible with an enormous array of substances. Can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressure. May react violently with water. When heated, it emits highly toxic fumes. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Fight fire from safe distance or from protected location. Use care as water applied directly to this acid results in evolution of heat and causes spattering. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with streams of water until fire is out. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing.
Not flammable. For small fires use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Use water on combustibles burning in vicinity of this material. For large fires flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not get solid streams of water on material. Move container from area if you can do so without risk.
Source: EPA, 1998 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: SULFURIC ACID.
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Sulfuric acid spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
SMALL SPILLCover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: SULFURIC ACID.
§ 07 · Handling and storage
Sulfuric acid computed storage compatibility
Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.
⚠ Known Catalytic Activity⚠ Strong Oxidizing Agent⚠ Water-Reactive
⛔ Never store with
↔ Keep separate
Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →
§ 08 · Exposure controls
Sulfuric acid exposure limits (IDLH)
IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
15 mg/m3
NIOSH Pocket Guide — Sulfuric acid →
IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.
§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties
Sulfuric acid physical properties
Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.
§ 10 · Stability and reactivity
Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Acids, Strong Oxidizing. Our database documents 57 incompatible and 7 caution reaction-partner groups for sulfuric acid — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →
57
Incompatible
7
Caution
§ 13 · Disposal considerations
Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.
§ 14 · Transport information
Sulfuric acid road transport — ADR 2025
UN number
Proper shipping name
SULPHURIC ACID with more than 51 % acid
Class · PG
8 · II
Classification code
C1
Transport category
2
ADR labels
8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
UN number
Proper shipping name
SULPHURIC ACID, FUMING
Class · PG
8 · I
Classification code
CT1
Transport category
1
ADR labels
8, 6.1
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
UN number
Proper shipping name
SULPHURIC ACID, SPENT
Class · PG
8 · II
Classification code
C1
Transport category
2
ADR labels
8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
UN number
Proper shipping name
SULPHURIC ACID with not more than 51 % acid or BATTERY FLUID, ACID
Class · PG
8 · II
Classification code
C1
Transport category
2
ADR labels
8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.
MSDS vs SDS
Sulfuric acid MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "sulfuric acid MSDS" and a "sulfuric acid SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
Other oxidizing acids in our database
Substance profile
What sulfuric acid is
Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for sulfuric acid
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about sulfuric acid
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "sulfuric acid MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
What GHS pictograms does sulfuric acid require?
Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), sulfuric acid carries GHS05 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H314. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.
What should sulfuric acid never be stored with?
Based on its storage class (Oxidizing acids), sulfuric acid must not share storage with: Bases; Cyanides & sulfides; Flammable liquids; Flammable solids; Mineral acids; Organic acids; Organic peroxides & self-reactives; Reactive metals; Water-reactives. Verify against the supplier's SDS sections 7 and 10 before finalising storage.
Where can I download an official sulfuric acid SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry SULFURIC ACID — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Caution: Sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sulfuric Acid Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute ingestion of sulfuric acid may be severe and include salivation, intense thirst, difficulty in swallowing, pain, and shock. Oral, esophageal, and stomach burns are common. Vomitus generally has a coffee-ground appearance. The potential for circulatory collapse is high following ingestion of sulfuric acid. Acute inhalation exposure may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, dyspnea (shortness of breath), respiratory tract irritation, and chest pain. Bleeding of nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with sulfuric acid, irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in severe burns, pain, and dermatitis (red, inflamed skin).
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to sulfuric acid may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to sulfuric acid. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. RUSH to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: 1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to sulfuric acid. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: 1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Rinse mouth with large amounts of water. Instruct victims not to swallow the water. 3. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize! 4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 5. Activated charcoal is of no value. 6. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
It is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, it emits highly toxic fumes. Avoid heat; water and organic materials. Sulfuric acid is explosive or incompatible with an enormous array of substances. Can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressure. May react violently with water. When heated, it emits highly toxic fumes. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Fight fire from safe distance or from protected location. Use care as water applied directly to this acid results in evolution of heat and causes spattering. Cool containers that are exposed to flames with streams of water until fire is out. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing.
Not flammable. For small fires use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Use water on combustibles burning in vicinity of this material. For large fires flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not get solid streams of water on material. Move container from area if you can do so without risk.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
SMALL SPILLCover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.