Science, Tech, Math › Science Nonoxidizing Acid Definition Share Flipboard Email Print Hydrochloric acid is an example of a nonoxidizing acid. Hailshadow, Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated July 08, 2019 A nonoxidizing acid is an acid that cannot act as an oxidizing agent. While many acids are good oxidizers, they don't all technically oxidize in any given reaction. Nonoxidizing Acid Examples Hydrochloric acid, hydroiodic acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid are all nonoxidizing acids. Example Use The element beryllium dissolves in a nonoxidizing acid, such as hydrochloric or dilute sulfuric acid, but not in water or nitric acid.