Hydrochloric Acid Formula

You must have always heard about the term Hydrochloric Acid Formula in Chemistry. So, Hydrochloric acid is basically an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is a strong mineral acid that has a lot of industrial uses as well.

Formula and Structure

Hydrochloric acid’s chemical formula is HCl. Similarly, the molecular weight of the same is 36.47 g/mol. Other than that, we see that it is basically the solution of Hydrogen Chloride in water. Thus, we use HCl for both its gaseous form as well as the aqueous solution. In other words, HCl is said to be a simple diatomic molecule. It has got a polarized covalent bond between the hydrogen atom and the electronegative chlorine atom.

Occurrence

Hydrochloric acid occurs naturally. It is found in our stomachs as it is the main component of natural gastric acids which are present in our stomachs.

Preparation

Hydrochloric acid is prepared when Hydrogen chloride dissolves in water. It is usually produced as the by-product from industrial scale production of the other chemicals. Moreover, in the industrial field, it is prepared through the combustion of hydrogen in chlorine. As HCl keeps evaporating at a faster rate, it becomes quite difficult to prepare it in high concentrations.

Physical Properties

Hydrochloric acid is a clear solution with no colour. Moreover, it has also got a very pungent odour. Not only that, but it is also present in a lot of various concentrations in water. Therefore, the physical properties of it like the boiling point, melting point and density vary accordingly.

The concentrated grade (fuming hydrochloric acid) is around 38% HCl in water. Industrial-grade HCl is around 30% to 35%, whereas the commercial-grade (muriatic acid) varies between 20% and 32%. Household cleaning solutions of HCl are usually 10% to 12%, but these still require added dilution before usage.

Chemical Properties

Hydrochloric acid is a strong, monoprotic acid. In other words, it can release only one H⁺ ion (proton). As Hydrochloric acid is a very strong acid, it wholly detaches in water to give the hydronium and chloride ions. Moreover, it also actively reacts with bases in order to produce chloride salts. Further, concentrated Hydrochloric acid can dissolve a lot of metals. It can also make oxidized metal chlorides and hydrogen gas. In addition, dilute HCl can break down or digest a lot of chemical and biological samples.

Uses

Hydrochloric acid has got a lot of industrial uses. For instance, it is useful in producing different chlorides, plastics like the PVC and polyurethane, fertilizers and dyes as well. Moreover, we also use it in the industries of photography, textile and rubber. In addition, it has uses in producing gelatin, processing leather and household cleaning products.

Health effects

Hydrochloric acid is dangerous for your eyes, skin and mucous membranes. If your skin gets in contact with it, it can result in severe burns and scarring. Moreover, if one inhales the fumes of Hydrochloric acid, it may result in irritation of eyes, nose and the respiratory tract. Not only that, if one ingests this acid, it will result in tissue damage to the mucous membranes, oesophagus and stomach.

Solved Question for You:

Question- What is the chemical formula for Hydrochloric acid?

a) HO₂

b) HCl

c) HNa₃

d) Cl₂

Answer- The correct answer is option B.