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Hydrogen chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
HCl
CAS number
7647-01-0
IUPAC name
hydrogen chloride
State
State

Hydrogen chloride is a gas at room temperature. It is often handled and transported in its aqueous solution form, known as hydrochloric acid, due to the corrosive and toxic nature of the gas.

Melting point (Celsius)
-114.22
Melting point (Kelvin)
158.93
Boiling point (Celsius)
-85.05
Boiling point (Kelvin)
188.10
General information
Molecular weight
36.46g/mol
Molar mass
36.4610g/mol
Density
1.1910g/cm3
Appearence

Hydrogen chloride in its gaseous form is colorless. It has a sharp, pungent odor that is easily recognizable. This is especially noticeable when it is dissolved in water to produce hydrochloric acid, as the fumes become more corrosive and visible.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a compound well-known for its high solubility in water, forming hydrochloric acid upon dissolution. The solubility characteristics of HCl can be summarized as follows:

  • Highly Soluble: HCl readily dissolves in water, allowing it to exist in a variety of concentrations.
  • Exothermic Reaction: The dissolution process is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat.
  • Polar Nature: HCl is a polar molecule, which enhances its interaction with polar solvents like water.
  • Gas to Liquid: HCl gas is highly soluble, and upon contact with water, it can form a strong acidic solution.

As a result of its significant solubility, concentrated solutions of hydrochloric acid can be prepared, which are widely used in various industrial and laboratory applications. In fact, the solubility of HCl in water is so notable that it is often said, "HCl is soluble in all proportions in water." This property makes it a very versatile and essential compound in both chemistry and industry.

To summarize, the solubility of hydrogen chloride in water is a critical property that drives its use in various chemical processes and reactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hydrogen Chloride

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a fascinating compound, primarily known for its importance in both industrial applications and laboratory settings. Here are some intriguing facts about this simple yet powerful molecule:

  • Historical Significance: Discovered in the 17th century, hydrogen chloride was first recognized by Johann Rudolf Glauber, who referred to it as "spirit of salt." Its use in various reactions has been documented for centuries.

  • Acidic Nature: When dissolved in water, hydrogen chloride forms hydrochloric acid, a strong acid that is vital in many chemical processes, including digestion in the human stomach.

  • Industrial Applications: HCl is an essential reagent in the production of chlorides, fertilizers, and dyes. It's also used in food processing to maintain acidity!

  • Electrolytic Properties: In its gaseous state, hydrogen chloride exhibits unique properties as an electrolyte when dissolved in water, leading to the release of protons, which contributes to its acidity.

  • Reactivity: This compound reacts vigorously with bases and metals, which makes it an important component in synthesis reactions. For instance, it reacts with sodium bicarbonate, releasing carbon dioxide gas!

  • Safety Considerations: Hydrogen chloride is corrosive and can cause severe burns, hence the necessity for safety measures and handling protocols in laboratories and industries.

Overall, hydrogen chloride is an essential compound with wide-ranging uses, making it a critical subject of study for chemists and an interesting topic for anyone curious about the chemical world!

Synonyms
hydrochloric acid
hydrogen chloride
7647-01-0
Muriatic acid
chlorane
Chlorohydric acid
Acide chlorhydrique
Anhydrous hydrochloric acid
Chlorwasserstoff
Muriaticum acidum
Chloorwaterstof
Chlorowodor
Acido cloridrico
Bowl Cleaner
Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
chlorure d'hydrogene
Hydrogenchlorid
4-D Bowl Sanitizer
Emulsion Bowl Cleaner
Caswell No. 486
monohydrochloride
Baume hcl
Icon etch
Acido clorhidrico
Aqueous hydrogen chloride
Hydrochloric acid [JAN]
UN 1050 (anhydrous)
Enplate po 236
White Emulsion Bowl Cleaner
Chloruro de hidrogeno
Hydrochloric acid gas
NSC 77365
HSDB 545
chloridohydrogen
Hygeia Creme Magic Bowl Cleaner
CHEBI:17883
Marine acid
Percleen Bowl and Urinal Cleaner
Wasserstoffchlorid
Chlorure d'hydrogene anhydre
Cloruro de hidrogeno anhidro
EINECS 231-595-7
Hydrochloric acid, anhydrous
UNII-QTT17582CB
NSC-77365
cloruro de hidrogeno
Acidum hydrochloricum
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 045901
INS NO.507
QTT17582CB
HCl
INS-507
Hydrogen chloride (acid)
[HCl]
MFCD00011324
Varley's Ocean Blue Scented Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Hydrogen chloride, anhydrous
DTXSID2020711
E-507
EC 231-595-7
Deuterium-chloride
Hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid
E507
(HCl)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID (II)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [II]
Chlorowodor [Polish]
HYDROCHLORIC ACID (IARC)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [IARC]
HYDROCHLORIC ACID (MART.)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [MART.]
Chloorwaterstof [Dutch]
hydrochloricacid
Chlorwasserstoff [German]
Hydrogen Chloride - Methanol Reagent
Acid, Muriatic
Hydrochloric acid, ACS reagent, 37%
mono hydrochloride
Acido cloridrico [Italian]
Acido clorhidrico [Spanish]
Acide chlorhydrique [French]
Hydrogen chloride (gas only)
Chlorure d'hydrogene [French]
organochlorine compound
Chloruro de hidrogeno [Spanish]
Organochlorine Compounds
UN1050
UN1789
UN2186
Anhydrous hydrogen chloride
Chlorure d'hydrogene anhydre [French]
Cloruro de hidrogeno anhidro [Spanish]
UN 2186 (refrigerated liquefied gas)
chlorum
hydochloride
hydrochlorie
hydrochoride
hydrocloride
organochloride
organochlorides
Salzsaeure
Hydrochloric acid [JAN:NF]
hydro chloride
hydro-chloride
hydrogenchloride
Soldering acid
chlorhydric acid
hydochloric acid
hydogen chloride
hydrochoric acid
hydrocloric acid
hydrogen chlorid
hydrogen choride
hydrogen cloride
hyrochloric acid
hyrogen chloride
Liriopesides-B
AescinIIB
hvdrochloric acid
hvdrogen chloride
hydorchloric acid
hydrochioric acid
hydrochloric aicd
hydrochloric-acid
hydrogen-chloride
hyrdochloric acid
Hydrochloric ccid
Hydrochloric Acid; Hydrogen Chloride; Muriatic Acid; Chlorohydric Acid
Acidum Muriaticum
monohydro-chloride
Sibiricose-A6
hydrogen ch1oride
hydro chloric acid
hydro-chloric acid
hydrochloric ac id
Hydrogen chloride, 4M in dioxane
hydro- chloric acid
HEMMORHOIDS
Caswell No 486
chloroorganic compounds
organochloride compound
trans-stilben-2-ylamine; hydrochloride
H-Cl
organochloride compounds
Hydrochloric Acid Blank
Hydrochloric acid 37%
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Diluted hydrochloric acid
HCL]
an organochlorine molecule
Hydrochloric acid, 37%
Hydrogen chloric anhydrous
Hydrochloric acid, diluted
Hydrochloric acid 36% by weight or more HCl
17Cl
chlororganische Verbindungen
Hydrogen-chloride-anhydrous-
Acidum hydrochloricum dilutum
2N Hydrochloric Acid aqueous
DTXCID20711
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [MI]
HYDROGEN CHLORIDE [MI]
Hydrochloric acid (JP15/NF)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [FCC]
CHEMBL1231821
Hydrochloric acid (JP17/USP)
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [HSDB]
MURIATICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
CHEBI:36683
HYDROCHLORIC ACID, TRIMER
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [VANDF]
Hydrochloric acid ACS grade 31%
DTXSID801014230
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [WHO-DD]
HYDROCHLORIC ACID [WHO-IP]
Hydrochloric acid, AR, 35-37%
Hydrochloric acid, LR, 35-38%
NSC77365
Hydrochloric acid, 3 M in methanol
Hydrogen Chloride - Butanol Reagent
BDBM50499188
CS0072
CS0086
MFCD00792839
STL282413
Hydrochloric acid, p.a., 31-33%
Hydrogen chloride, 1M in acetic acid
AKOS015843726
CCG-221928
DB13366
Hydrochloric acid, puriss., 30-33%
Hydrochloric acid, reagent grade, 37%
Hydrogen chloride, 1M in diethyl ether
Hydrogen chloride, 2M in diethyl ether
NA 1789
UN 1050
UN 1789
UN 2186
Hydrochloric acid ACS grade 36.5-38%
Hydrochloric acid, technical grade, 30%
1082661-04-8
FD165491
Hydrochloric acid (acid aerosols including mists, vapors, gas, fog, and other airborne forms of any particle size)
1N Hydrochloric Acid aqueous (+/-0.1N)
3N Hydrochloric Acid aqueous (+/-0.2N)
5N Hydrochloric Acid aqueous (+/-0.2N)
6M Hydrochloric Acid aqueous (+/-0.2M)
DS-002721
Hydrochloric acid, puriss. p.a., >=32%
ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
H1060
H1062
H1202
H1203
H1277
Hydrochloric acid, puriss., 24.5-26.0%
Hydrochloric acid, puriss., 37.0-38.0%
Hydrogen chloride, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
NS00040788
X0038
X0039
X0041
Hydrogen chloride, nominally 2.5M in ethanol
C01327
D02057
Hydrochloric acid, ROTI?Volum, 0.1N (Ampoule)
Hydrogen chloride - Methanol Reagent (5-10%)
Hydrogen chloride solution 2.0M in ethyl acetate
Hydrogen chloride solution 3.0M in ethyl acetate
4-methyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride
Hydrogen chloride, 3M in cyclopentyl methyl ether
Q211086
Hydrochloric acid, ROTI(R)Volum, 0.1N (Ampoule)
Hydrochloric acid, SAJ first grade, 35.0-37.0%
Hydrogen chloride anhydrous [UN1050] [Poison gas]
Hydrogen chloride solution 5.0-6.0M in 2-propanol
Hydrochloric acid, JIS special grade, 35.0-37.0%
Hydrochloric acid, p.a., ACS reagent, 36.5-38.0%
Hydrochloric acid, SAJ super special grade, >=35.0%
Hydrogen chloride, anhydrous [UN1050] [Poison gas]
Hydrogen chloride 17.0 wt% in ethyl acetate (anhydrous)
Hydrochloric acid, purum p.a., fuming 37%, >=37% (T)
Hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid [UN2186] [Poison gas]
EPA Method 1631, Hydrochloric Acid, Sub-Boiled Distilled, 500 mL
Hydrochloric acid, 36.5-38.0%, BioReagent, for molecular biology
Hydrochloric acid, 37 wt. % in H2O, 99.999% trace metals basis
Hydrochloric acid, BioUltra, >=32% (T), suitable for luminescence
Hydrochloric acid, suitable for amino acid analysis, 35.0-37.0%
Hydrochloric acid, suitable for arsenic determination, 35.0-37.0%
Hydrogen chloride solution 3.3M in ethanol with water < 0.3 %
Hydrochloric acid, suitable for determination of toxic metals, >=35.0%
Hydrochloric acid ACS grade 36.5-38% for Biochemistry and Molecular biology
Hydrochloric acid, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, NF, fuming, 36.5-38%
Hydrochloric acid, p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., 37.0-38.0%
Hydrochloric acid, semiconductor grade PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17823), fuming 37%, 37-38%
Hydrochloric acid, semiconductor grade PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17863), >=32%
231-595-7
Hydrochloric acid, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., fuming, >=37%, APHA: <=10