Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
High-purity 30-33% aqueous solution for industrial, food, and laboratory applications
Overview
Hydrochloric Acid (CAS No: 7647-01-0), also known as HCl, is a strong inorganic acid. It is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. It is miscible with water in all proportions and is highly corrosive.
HCl is widely used in industrial processes, metal cleaning, food processing, and pH regulation. At Y2SChem, we offer high-purity hydrochloric acid in 30-33% concentrations, available in both industrial and food-grade purities.
Applications
Hydrochloric Acid has a wide range of industrial and commercial applications:
Metal Cleaning
Removing rust, scale, and other contaminants from metal surfaces.
Chemical Industry
Used as a raw material in the production of various chemicals.
Food Processing
Food-grade HCl is used in the production of starch, gelatin, and other food additives.
Water Treatment
Used as a pH regulator in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Oil Industry
Used in well acidizing and petroleum refining processes.
Laboratories
Used as a reagent in analytical chemistry and research laboratories.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | HCl | - | - |
| CAS Number | 7647-01-0 | - | - |
| EC Number | 231-595-7 | - | - |
| Molecular Weight | 36.46 | g/mol | - |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid | - | Visual |
| Odor | Pungent, irritating | - | Olfactometry |
| Density (20°C) | 1.149 (33% solution) | g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Boiling Point | 110 (20.2% solution) | °C | ASTM D1078 |
| Melting Point | -46.2 (31% solution) | °C | ASTM D1015 |
| pH Value (1% solution) | 1.1 | - | ASTM E70 |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) | 190 (31% solution) | mmHg | ASTM D2879 |
| Concentration | 30-33 | % | ASTM E203 |
| Iron Content | ≤5 | ppm | ASTM E394 |
| Sulfate Content | ≤10 | ppm | ASTM D516 |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤1 | ppm | ASTM E1613 |
| Food-Grade Purity | Complies with FCC standards | - | FCC |
Safety Information
Hazard Symbols and Statements
Corrosive Health Hazard Environmental Hazard
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Acid-resistant gloves (neoprene or nitrile)
- Face shield or chemical safety goggles
- Respiratory protection against acid vapors
- Acid-resistant apron or coveralls
- Chemical-resistant footwear
Storage Conditions
- Store in cool, well-ventilated, acid-resistant areas
- Use PVC, polyethylene, or glass containers
- Use specially coated metal containers for metal storage
- Keep away from bases and oxidizing agents
- Storage temperature: 15-25°C
Fire Fighting Measures
- HCl is non-flammable but may cause dangerous reactions with flammable materials
- Use dry chemical or CO₂ for small fires
- Use water mist for large fires; avoid direct water jets
- Combustion products may be toxic (hydrogen chloride gas)
Handling and Storage
Handling
- Ensure containers are tightly sealed
- Use equipment made of acid-resistant materials
- Provide adequate ventilation in transport vehicles
- Keep neutralizing agents available in case of spills
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling
Storage
- Store in PVC, polyethylene, or glass containers
- Label storage areas appropriately
- Use acid-resistant materials for storage tanks
- Provide secondary containment for large quantities
- Equip storage areas with acid neutralization systems
Spill Response
- Evacuate personnel from the affected area
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment
- Neutralize spills with sand, sodium bicarbonate, or other basic absorbents
- Dispose of neutralized material properly
- Rinse the spill area with plenty of water
Regulatory Information
GHS Classification
- Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 3
- Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 3
- Skin Corrosion Category 1A
- Serious Eye Damage Category 1
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3
Key Regulations
- REACH: Registered
- CLP: Compliant
- OSHA: Subject to Hazard Communication Standard
- NFPA 704: Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1
International Regulations
- European Union: Subject to Directive 2008/58/EC
- USA: Listed on EPA TSCA inventory
- China: Listed on IECSC
- Japan: Listed on ISHL
Environmental Information
Environmental Impact
Hydrochloric acid can significantly impact aquatic environments by lowering pH. It can harm plant life in soil if not neutralized. When released into the atmosphere as hydrogen chloride gas, it may contribute to acid rain.
Biodegradation
- Hydrochloric acid does not biodegrade but ionizes in water
- It undergoes neutralization reactions in natural environments
- In soil, it reacts with carbonates and other basic components to neutralize
Waste Management
- Classified as hazardous waste
- Waste HCl must be neutralized before disposal
- Dispose in licensed hazardous waste facilities
- Do not discharge into sewers or surface waters
Frequently Asked Questions
How is hydrochloric acid produced?
Industrial HCl is typically produced by the direct combination of hydrogen and chlorine gases. It can also be obtained as a byproduct during the production of organic chemicals. Food-grade HCl is manufactured using high-purity reagents and specialized processes.
Is hydrochloric acid the same as muriatic acid?
Yes, muriatic acid is another name for hydrochloric acid. However, muriatic acid typically refers to lower-purity HCl solutions (18-20%) used in household applications. Industrial applications often use higher concentrations (30-33%).
How is hydrochloric acid diluted?
Always add acid to water, not water to acid ("Add acid to water, or you're in deep water"). Add slowly while stirring and use appropriate protective equipment. Dilution is an exothermic reaction, releasing heat.
What materials react with hydrochloric acid?
HCl reacts with many metals (e.g., iron, zinc, aluminum), producing hydrogen gas. It also undergoes vigorous neutralization reactions with bases. PVC, polyethylene, glass, and certain alloys are resistant to HCl.
What should I do if hydrochloric acid contacts skin?
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. For eye contact, rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical help. Do not use neutralizing agents.