Hydrochloric Acid HCL
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Hydrochloric Acid HCL is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid consisting of hydrogen chloride gas dissolved in water to a concentration of approximately 33% by weight. It appears as a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. HCl 33% is widely used in industrial, chemical, and laboratory applications due to its strong acidic properties, high reactivity, and versatility. It plays a crucial role in pH control, metal processing, chemical synthesis, and cleaning processes across numerous sectors.
Description
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Hydrochloric Acid HCL
Primary Uses
- Chemical Industry
- Used as a key reagent in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) for PVC manufacturing.
- Serves as a catalyst and reactant in numerous organic and inorganic synthesis processes.
- Employed for pH adjustment and acidification in chemical production.
- Metal Processing and Pickling
- Widely used for metal pickling and cleaning to remove rust, scale, and oxides from steel and iron surfaces before further processing or coating.
- Essential in ore processing and refining, especially for dissolving metal ores and recovering metals such as zinc and manganese.
- Water Treatment
- Used to neutralize alkaline water in municipal and industrial water treatment plants.
- Controls pH levels in swimming pools and cooling towers to prevent scale formation and microbial growth.
- Food Industry
- Utilized as a food-grade acidulant and processing aid for adjusting pH in the production of gelatin, ascorbic acid, and corn syrup.
- Used in cleaning and sanitization of food processing equipment under strict regulatory compliance.
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Employed in acidizing operations to stimulate oil and gas wells by dissolving carbonate formations and enhancing permeability.
- Household and Industrial Cleaning
- Active ingredient in many cleaning products for descaling, lime removal, and surface preparation.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
- Laboratory Applications
- Used as a standard reagent for acid-base titrations and pH calibration.
- Leather Industry
- Employed in leather processing for pH control and tanning operations.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydrochloric Acid
- Common/Trade Name: Hydrochloric Acid 33%
- CAS Number: 7647-01-0
- HS Code: 2806.10.00
- Molecular Formula: HCl (aqueous solution)
- Synonyms: Muriatic Acid; Hydrogen Chloride (aqueous)
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Clear, colorless to pale yellow; pungent, irritating odor
- Boiling Point: Approx. 110°C (for 33% solution)
- Density: ~1.16 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Completely miscible with water
- pH: Strongly acidic (typically <1 for 33% solution)
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; reacts violently with bases and oxidizers
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion 1B, Eye Damage 1, Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation)
- Toxicity: Corrosive and highly irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 5 ppm (7 mg/m³) ceiling limit
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Container Type: Corrosion-resistant containers such as HDPE or glass-lined steel drums
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials like bases and oxidizers
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly in sealed containers
- Handling Notes: Use corrosion-resistant equipment and PPE; avoid inhalation of vapors
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for use in food processing as a processing aid under strict limits (food-grade HCl)
- Complies with FDA, REACH, and other global chemical safety regulations
- Subject to transportation regulations for corrosive substances
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Not applicable; neutralized quickly in environment
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
- Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Acid-resistant gloves, face shield or goggles, acid-resistant apron, respirator if vapor exposure possible
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods; avoid direct contact and inhalation
- Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after use; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
- First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; provide artificial respiration if needed; seek medical attention promptly
- Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek urgent medical care
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for 15-20 minutes; seek immediate ophthalmologic consultation
- Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek emergency medical help immediately
- Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but can release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when heated or reacting with metals
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ for surrounding fires
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and acid-resistant clothing
- Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas and corrosive fumes
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