Hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid is an inorganic acid with the chemical formula of HCl. It is normally an acidic liquid but can be a gas, which gives off a terrible odor. The color of the liquid is normally a clear to yellowish color. It is naturally found within the stomach and its purpose is to break down foods. Mainly, it aids the digestive system. The acid can be made by putting hydrogen chloride in water, creating an aqueous solution. Hydrochloric acid is very tough and corrosive. Its properties are ideal for cleaning products. It can remove dirt and grime from toilets and even rust from metals. Surprisingly, it can be used in food for removing impurities. Hydrochloric acid is also used in rubber and textile industries. Although it has many important uses, it can be very dangerous as well. If it comes in contact with skin or eyes, it can cause serious damage. Irritation, nausea, and burns are all symptoms of hydrochloric acid.

Properties
Hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride in water, which is miscible in it. It is one of the most corrosive acids and can be very destructive. It is so strong that it can even attack and destroy metals. It may even cause an explosion if it touches some metals. The acid can react with all different kinds of bases. It is usually a clear to yellowish color. This acid has a pH level of about 1 to 2. This means that it is very acidic because it is so low. The acid gives off an unpleasant odor. How much vapor it gives off depends on the acid's strength. The acid itself is poisonous. It can either be an acidic liquid or a gas that gives off a strong odor. It is soluble in water.

Natural Occurrences


Hydrochloric acid is made and secreted by parietal cells of the stomach to aid in digestion. In our body, hydrochloric acid could be known as gastric acid. The acid is released as gastric juices into the stomach so that it can begin the breakdown of food. Because the acid is corrosive, it can also kill infectious organisms that might be in the food we eat. It is so strong that it could digest the stomach, but because of the stomach lining and mucous, it is protected. It is not only found in the body but it is also found in gases from volcanoes. Hydrochloric acid can be created by putting hydrogen chloride in water. This would make an aqueous solution.

Hydrochloric acid is found in every-day household products too. It can be found in tile cleaners and pool cleaners as well. Since hydrochloric acid is an inorganic compound, its acidic abilities make it ideal for cleaning products.

Uses
Hydrochloric acid is a highly versatile acid. It can be used in food, as a starch modifier, and in swimming pools to maintain pH balance. It can also be used to clean metals so that they are prepared for coating. It is used a lot of the time for cleaning purposes, such as toilet bowl cleaning. It removes the dirt and grime. Hydrochloric acid can also remove rust. When applied to areas, such as metals, rust comes off. Surprisingly, you can use it for food. Since hydrochloric acid comes from salt, you can add it in a mixture of foods.

Hydrochloric acid can act as a reagent in chemical reactions. It can also be used to speed up the reactions. The toughness of hydrochloric acid makes it a great cleaning product. It can remove almost anything from things such as metals.

Hazards


Hydrochloric acid has many hazardous effects. If it is in contact with eyes or skin, it will cause major irritation and even tissue damage. It may produce a skin discoloration as well. If you inhale it, it will cause choking and shortness of breath. Much exposure to the acid will eventually cause damage to the organs. The effects of hydrochloric acid are normally not permanent but can last for a while. If inhaled or swallowed, the result may lead to death, in extreme cases. Even a small amount of exposure to the acid can produce long lasting effects.

Hydrochloric acid can be dangerous in your stomach as well. The acid contains tough components that can digest your stomach, but the stomach lining protects that from happening. If the stomach lining has been damaged, then your stomach could be burned by the gastric acid. This is why hydrochloric acid should not come in contact with skin or especially eyes. It can cause serious damage. If hydrochloric acid comes in direct contact with the eyes, it can cause a person to go blind. Skin exposure can cause burning and scarring. Long-term effects can happen if exposed to the acid continually, such as sensitivity to light.

Video
This video explains how to make hydrochloric acid from sodium bisulfate and table salt. YGjd7xxTuZw