Aqua Regia

HSE Guide

Aqua regia is a corrosive and oxidizing, fuming yellow liquid o When preparing aqua regia, always add nitric acid to
prepared by slow mixing of one volume of concentrated nitric hydrochloric acid, never vice versa.
acid with three volumes of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It o Do not store aqua regia. Mix a fresh solution for each
is used to dissolve metals such as gold, platinum, silver, etc. use.
Its fumes and yellow color are caused by reaction of nitric
acid (HNO3) with hydrogen chloride (HCl) to form nitrosyl
chloride (NOCl), chlorine (Cl2), and water; both chlorine and During Work
nitrosyl chloride are yellow-colored and volatile. It is
commonly used as a cleaning agent to remove trace o Avoid inhalation. Perform all operations in a chemical
amounts of organic compounds, and due to its highly fume hood.
corrosive nature, should be handled with extreme caution. o All handling of aqua regia must be done with glassware
inside a fume hood.
Do NOT use aqua regia unless it is necessary. o Avoid contact. Wear appropriate PPE including, lab
Please consult with your PI or senior researchers before you coat, closed toed shoes, double gloves or acid
use aqua regia for the first time. resistant gloves and safety glasses.
o When handling large amounts (>500mL), or when
Hazards splashing is more likely, in addition to working in a fume
hood, wear acid resistant gloves, acid-resistant apron,
and face shield.
o Wash hands thoroughly each time gloves are removed.
o Use materials and containers appropriate for aqua
regia (e.g. glass) and remain aware of potential
incompatibilities.
o Always use glass (preferably Pyrex) containers. It is
also very likely to become hot - more than 100°C.
Handle with care.
o Aqua regia will melt some plastics and corrode most
metals.
o Never put aqua regia in a closed vessel; evolved gases
will cause a pressure build-up and possible over-
Aqua regia solutions are extremely corrosive and oxidizing
pressurization of your container.
and may result in explosion or skin burns if not handled with
extreme caution. It causes destruction of living tissue at site
of contact. Corrosive effects can occur not only on the skin After Completing Work
and eyes, but also in the respiratory tract.
o Used aqua regia should be allowed to cool and cease
gas generation, and then should be handled as
Precautions
hazardous waste.
o Ensure that a Standard Operating Procedure is o To quench aqua regia, pour onto ice and carefully
available. neutralize the solution by adding small portions of
o Review safety data sheets prior to use. sodium or potassium carbonate with stirring. When the
o Prepare only the minimum amount necessary. solution no longer foams upon addition of carbonate, it
o Identify the location of the nearest eyewash and can be disposed.
shower and verify that they are accessible. o Dispose of aqua regia waste following hazardous
o Locate and verify that appropriate corrosive spill waste procedures.
cleanup materials are available. o Use glass bottles, ensure that the waste container you
o Perform all work in a secondary container that is are using is clean, dry, and does not have residual
clean and free of organic matter. solvent or other organic materials in it.
o Aqua regia should be the sole waste constituent in the
WARNING: Never add any organic chemicals to aqua regia waste bottle.
solution, it could react violently. This includes any chemical
containing a C-H bond, e.g., acetone, isopropanol, ethanol,
photoresist, or detergents. Even small amounts of organic
chemicals can react with aqua regia solutions.

o The traditional solution is comprised of a 3:1 mixture of

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Emergency Procedures

SKIN CONTACT
Flush skin with tepid water for 15 minutes using the closest
available sink, portable drench hose or safety shower.
Remove any exposed clothing as well as any jewelry that
may be trapping aqua regia.
Call 911 on a landline phone for medical assistance or
012-808-0911 from a mobile phone.

EYE CONTACT
Using eyewash, flush eyes while holding eyelid open and
away from exposed eye.
Call 911 on a landline phone for medical assistance or
012-808-0911 from a mobile phone.
Continue flushing with water until emergency medical
personnel arrive.

INHALATION
If aqua regia mist or vapors are inhaled, immediately move
to get fresh air.
Call 911 on a landline phone for medical assistance or
012-808-0911 from a mobile phone.

INGESTION
Do not induce vomiting.
Call 911 on a landline phone for medical assistance or
012-808-0911 from a mobile phone.

Spill Response
o Alert others and evacuate to a safe distance
o Prevent entry to the laboratory.
o If trained and confident, wearing PPE apply acid
neutralizer.
o Collect residue, place in container, label and dispose
of as hazardous waste.
o Otherwise close fume hood and await support by
calling 911 on a landline for assistance or 012-808-
0911 from a mobile phone.

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