Nonoxidizing Acid Definition

Vial of hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is an example of a nonoxidizing acid.

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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
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.
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.