What is Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid (chemical formula HCl) is also known as muriatic acid and is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride.
Hydrochloric acid is a colourless solution with a distinctive pungent smell and an important laboratory reagent and industrial chemical. It is classified as a strong acid.
Hydrochloric acid is a vital component of gastric acid in the digestive systems of many animal species, including humans but it is also an important laboratory reagent and industrial chemical.
Historically hydrochloric acid was called ‘spirits of salt’ by European alchemists, a name that is still used today by some.
Hydrochloric acid is typically prepared through a process that involves the dissolving of hydrogen chloride in water. Where large scale production is done, it is typically integrated with an industrial scale production of other chemicals that also includes the chloralkaline process that produces hydroxide, hydrogen and chlorine.
Hydrochloric acid is produced in solutions up to 38%, which is concentration grade although higher concentrations of over 40% are chemically possible. These have an extremely high evaporation rate that requires additional storage and handling precautions.
Since hydrochloric acid can be used in so many ways, hydrochloric acid prices may differ from supplier to supplier.
What is Hydrochloric Acid Used For?
Hydrochloric Acid has several industrial uses, including the following:
- The production of organic compounds such as dichloroethane and vinyl chloride for the manufacturing of PVC.
- The production of inorganic compounds such as water treatment chemicals.
- The purification of table salt by dissolving impure salt in water to ionize into sodium and chloride ions.
- For controlling the pH in pharmaceutical products, various foods, and drinking water.
- In the tanning of leather to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- In the production of electric batteries as a result of HCI being a powerful acid, with dissociates readily giving hydrogen ions. These act as charge carriers and they complete the circuit generating current.
- The extraction of petroleum and desulfurization when injected into a rock which may contain oil. HCI acid acts as a corrosive and it forms large pore-like structures in the rock, helping with oil production as well as the extraction of oil.
- HCI can also be used as a medicine to treat achlorhydria, a condition where a person has insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid in their stomach.
Hydrochloric Acid Uses in Daily Life
- The removal of metal stains as result of its high corrosivity.
- For the effective cleaning of swimming pools.
- Production of glucose and corn sugar from starch.
- Refining of cane sugar.
- Making glue and gelatine.
- Manufacturing synthetic rubber and plastics.
- Purification of common salt.
- Manufacturing of aqua regia to dissolve noble metals such as gold and platinum.
- As a disinfectant in homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms as it reduces the pH, preventing the growth of bacteria.
The chemical industry in South Africa is widely regarded as the largest of its kind in Africa, with suppliers such as Chemi being a leading company that offers a wide range of chemicals across the country. As one of the leading hydrochloric acid 33% suppliers, Chemi offers competitive hydrochloric acid prices in South Africa.
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