Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong, corrosive acid that can be a colourless liquid or gas. It is also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salt.

Chemical formula: HCl

Common name: Muriatic acid

Physical properties

1. A colourless, non-flammable gas with a pungent odor at room temperature
2. Highly soluble in water
3. Reacts in moist air to form a mist
4. Heavier than air

Chemical Properties

1. A strong acid that ionizes completely into H3O+ and Cl−
2. Reacts with metals to produce hydrogen gas
3. Reacts with carbonates to generate carbon dioxide
4. Reacts with sulphides, carbides, borides, and phosphides to generate toxic or flammable gases

Primary Uses

1. Metal Pickling : Removing rust and oxide layers from metal surfaces, particularly steel
2. Chemical Synthesis: Production of various chemicals like vinyl chloride (for PVC), calcium chloride, and polyurethane foam
3. pH Adjustment : Regulating acidity in solutions within various industrial processes
4. Food Processing : Adjusting pH in certain food products like corn syrup and soft drinks

Industries that use HCL

1. Steel Industry : For pickling steel before further processing
2. Chemical Manufacturing : Production of various chemicals including PVC, chlorides, and certain organic compounds
3. Food and Beverage Industry : pH adjustment in food products and wastewater treatment
4. Pharmaceutical Industry : Used in certain drug manufacturing processes
5. Leather tanning Industry : Processing of hides
6. Textile Industry : Certain dyeing and finishing processes
7. Building and Construction :Hydrochloric acid can be used to process steel for the building and construction industry
8. Used in the chemical industry to manufacture vinyl chloride and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate
9. Used to pickle and clean metal surfaces
10. Used in the production of Sugar industries, chlorine dioxide, ammonium chloride, fertilizers, dyes, and artificial silk
11. Used in the refining of ore in the production of tin and tantalum

Gallery