Hydrochloric acid HCl
Hydrochloric acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas. It has strong corrosive properties, sharp, irritating odour, colourless to light yellow colour. Hydrochloric acid is produced by direct synthesis: combustion of chlorine in hydrogen or as a by-product in the production of isocyanates and subsequent absorption in water of the resulting hydrogen chloride. Hydrochloric acid comes in different concentrations: from 25% – 36%. The most popular concentration available on the market is 31-34% of technical quality, synthetic and food grade (for the food industry).
CAS number
7647-01-0
EC Number
231-595-7
Chemical formula
HCl
ADR
Yes
Physical form
Liquid
Uses of hydrochloric acid
HCl
Used in many industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and sugar. It can also be used in construction, galvanization, the mining industry and in the production of household chemicals.
It is a very important element of the pharmaceutical industry because it is responsible for the chemical synthesis of active ingredients in various types of drugs.
It is also used as a component of chemicals for cleaning metals and ceramics from cement residues.
Hydrochloric acid plays an important role in water treatment and beer production. It lowers the pH level of water, so it has a huge impact on the brewing process.
During the production of clothes and textiles, it is used for bleaching and dyeing materials.
As one of the most important ingredients of cleaning preparations, it is used to remove tarnish from sanitary ceramics and grout.
The production of glucosamine and chitin-based products, such as dietary supplements, shampoos and toothpastes, requires hydrochloric acid to process their raw materials.
