HYDROCHLORIC ACID

    Product Information

Synonyms

:

Muriatic acid; Hydrogen chloride.

CAS No

:

7647-01-0

Chemical Formula

:

HCl

Molecular Weight

:

36.46

 

    Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance

:

Colorless, fuming liquid.

Odor

:

Pungent odor of hydrogen chloride.

Solubility

:

Infinite in water with slight evolution of heat.

pH

:

For HCL solutions: 0.1 (1.0 N), 1.1 (0.1 N), 2.02 (0.01 N).

Boiling Point

:

53°C (127°F) Azeotrope (20.2%) boils at 109°C (228°F).

Melting Point

:

-74°C (-101°F).

Vapor Density (Air=1)

:

1.18

% Volatiles by volume @ 21°C (70°F)

:

100

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

:

190 @ 25°C (77°F).

 

    Uses

Main industrial use of hydrochloric acid is the cleaning, or pickling of metals. The production of glucose and corn sugar from starch and the refining of cane sugar also is a use of hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is very important in the manufacture of synthetic rubber and plastics, and is used in making glue and gelatin. It is also used to manufacture iron and steel, clean metals, and make solvents, bleaches, and chloride salts.

Hydrochloric acid is used to neutralize the waste streams, soap refining, leather tanning, textiles and brewing. It is also used to prevent bacteria in toilet bowls, and in food processing as a starch modifier.

 

Hydrochloric acid is second only to sulphuric acid in its numerous and diverse uses in manufacturing industry and synthetic chemistry.  It is involved at some stage in the production of a host of everyday articles, but its principal applications include metal pickling, gelatine, dyestuffs, casein, pharmaceuticals, synthetic rubber and metal chlorides manufacture.  Large amounts of hydrochloric acid are also used in effluent treatment and for the regeneration of ion exchange resins in water treatment.

 

   Safety & First aid

Inhalation:
Corrosive! Inhalation of vapors can cause coughing, choking, inflammation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema, circulatory failure, and death.

Ingestion:
Corrosive! Swallowing hydrochloric acid can cause immediate pain and burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Swallowing may be fatal.

Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Can cause redness, pain, and severe skin burns. Concentrated solutions cause deep ulcers and discolor skin.

Eye Contact:
Corrosive! Vapors are irritating and may cause damage to the eyes. Contact may cause severe burns and permanent eye damage.

Chronic Exposure:
Long-term exposure to concentrated vapors may cause erosion of teeth.
Long term exposures seldom occur due to the corrosive properties of the acid.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye disease may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.

  First Aid

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.

Ingestion:
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Give large quantities of water or milk if available. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.

Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

 

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Extreme heat or contact with metals can release flammable hydrogen gas.

Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.

Fire Extinguishing Media:
If involved in a fire, use water spray. Neutralize with soda ash or slaked lime.

Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Structural firefighter’s protective clothing is ineffective for fires involving hydrochloric acid. Stay away from ends of tanks. Cool tanks with water spray until well after fire is out.

 

    Special Features

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage. Containers may burst when heated.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
When heated to decomposition, emits toxic hydrogen chloride fumes and will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes. Thermal oxidative decomposition produces toxic chlorine fumes and explosive hydrogen gas.

Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.

Incompatibilities:
A strong mineral acid, concentrated hydrochloric acid is incompatible with many substances and highly reactive with strong bases, metals, metal oxides, hydroxides, amines, carbonates and other alkaline materials. Incompatible with materials such as cyanides, sulfides, sulfites, and formaldehyde.

Conditions to Avoid:
Avoid direct heat and direct sunlight.