Pure dry HNO3 can be liberated from KNO3 with 96% H2SO4 directly into CH2Cl2 to yield solutions of variable concentration for use in a number of organic reactions. The present method efficiently replaces the employment of 100% HNO3 in some synthetic applications, avoiding the problems associated in storage and handling the acid. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.