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When hydrogen chloride is dissolved in water, it produces HCl. It’s just a simple diatomic molecule. The hydrogen and chlorine atoms are joined together by a single covalent link. The bond between them is polar because the chlorine atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atom.
It has a high acidity level. It is colourless and extremely viscous. It is extremely corrosive and has a distinct disagreeable odour. It is frequently used in industries as well as in laboratories as a reagent. It is used in the tanning of leather as well as the production of gelatin. The molarity or concentration of HCl influences its physical qualities such as density, melting point, pH, and boiling point.
Structure of HCl
Preparation of Hydrochloric Acid – HCl
Hydrogen chloride is produced in the laboratory and on a commercial scale by heating sodium chloride with concentrated H2SO4. The gas can be dried by passing it through a solution of concentrated sulphuric acid.
NaCl + H2SO4 → NaHSO4+ HCl
NaHSO4 + NaCl → Na2SO4 + HCl
Hydrogen chloride is a colourless, extremely odorous gas. The chlorides generated by active metals and their oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates are reacted to by gaseous hydrogen chloride. Such reactions are only possible in the presence of humidity. Hydrogen chloride is entirely dry and extremely inert.
Common strong acid reactions include: metal reactions in which hydrogen gas is displaced, reactions with simple (metal) oxides and hydroxides that are neutralised by the formation of a metal chloride and water, and reactions with weak acid salts in which the heavy acid is displaced.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Appears to have a molecular weight/molar mass of 36.458 g/mol.
Liquid that is transparent
The Boiling Point:It is dependent on concentration.
The Melting Point:It is dependent on concentration.
Chemical Properties of HCl
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) can be oxidised by chlorine gas liberated by potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7).
2KMnO4 + 16 HCl → 2KCl +2MnCl2 + 5Cl2 + 8H2O
2K2Cr2O7 + 14 HCl → 2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 3Cl2+ 7H2O
- When hydrochloric acid reacts with salts such as carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulphites, and others, it produces carbon dioxide gas and sulphur dioxide gas.
Na2CO3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H2O + CO2
NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl+H2O + CO2
- Aqua regia is a 3:1 by volume mixture of concentrated HCl and concentrated HNO3. It has the ability to dissolve metals such as gold and platinum, forming their soluble chloride.
HCl- Hydrochloric acid in Stomach
Hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and a mucus coating that protects the stomach lining are all components of stomach secretions. Hydrochloric acid helps the body break down, digest, and consume calcium-rich foods. It also kills stomach bacteria and viruses, preventing illness in your body. Stomach acid is composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium chloride (NaCl). The stomach contains around 0.5 percent hydrochloric acid, or 5,000 parts per million.
A healthy stomach’s pH ranges between 1.0 and 2.0. Germs are often kept at bay by the low stomach fluid level. However, around the same time, these pH levels classified stomach acid as battery acid, which can melt steel.
Applications of HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)
- It is used in the manufacture of chlorides.
- It is used in the rubber industry.
- It is used in the manufacture of fertilisers.
- It is widely used in the textile industry.
- It is employed in the production of dye and in the refining of metals.
- It is utilised in the manufacture of organic compounds such as PVC.
- It is used to control the PH of solutions.
- It is used to increase oil output.
Conclusion
We conclude that in the food, textile, metal, and rubber sectors, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is extensively used to neutralise alkaline substances and as a bleaching agent. When discharged into the soil, it is neutralised, and when exposed to water, it rapidly hydrolyzes.
