Hydrochloric acid - (hydrochloric acid, an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride), known as the formula HCl, is a caustic chemical compound. Since ancient times, people have used this colorless liquid for various purposes, emitting a light smoke in the open air.

Properties of a chemical compound

HCl is used in various fields of human activity. It dissolves metals and their oxides, is absorbed in benzene, ether and water, does not destroy fluoroplastic, glass, ceramics and graphite. Its safe use is possible when stored and operated under the correct conditions, with all safety precautions observed.

Chemically pure (chemically pure) hydrochloric acid is formed during gaseous synthesis from chlorine and hydrogen, giving hydrogen chloride. It is absorbed in water, obtaining a solution with an HCl content of 38-39% at +18 C. An aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride is used in various fields of human activity. The price of chemically pure hydrochloric acid is variable, and depends on many components.

Scope of application of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride

Usage of hydrochloric acid gained popularity due to its chemical and physical properties:

• in metallurgy, in the production of manganese, iron and zinc, in technological processes, in metal refining;
• in galvanoplasty - during etching and pickling;
• in the production of soda water to regulate acidity, in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages and syrups in the food industry;
• for leather processing in light industry;
• when treating non-potable water;
• for optimization of oil wells in the oil industry;
• in radio engineering and electronics.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) in medicine

The most famous property of a hydrochloric acid solution is the alignment of the acid-base balance in the human body. A weak solution, or drugs, treats low acidity of the stomach. This optimizes the digestion of food, helps fight germs and bacteria that enter from the outside. Hydrochloric acid hch promotes normalization low level acidity of gastric juice and optimizes the digestion of proteins.

Oncology uses HCl to treat neoplasms and slow their progression. Hydrochloric acid preparations are prescribed for the prevention of stomach cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, urticaria, cholelithiasis and others. AT traditional medicine hemorrhoids are treated with a weak acid solution.

You can learn more about the properties and types of hydrochloric acid.

Hydrochloric acid is a solution of gaseous hydrogen chloride HCl in water. The latter is a hygroscopic colorless gas with a pungent odor. Commonly consumed concentrated hydrochloric acid contains 36-38% hydrogen chloride and has a density 1.19 g/cm3. Such an acid smokes in air, since gaseous HCl; when combined with air moisture, tiny droplets of hydrochloric acid are formed.

Pure acid is colorless, while technical acid has a yellowish tint caused by traces of compounds of iron, chlorine and other elements ( FeCl 3 ).

Often a dilute acid containing 10% and less hydrogen chloride. Dilute solutions do not emit gaseous HCl and do not smoke in dry or humid air.

Hydrochloric acid is a volatile compound, as it evaporates when heated. It is a strong acid and reacts vigorously with most metals. However, metals such as gold, platinum, silver, tungsten and lead , hydrochloric acid is practically not etched. Many base metals, when dissolved in acid, form chlorides, for example zinc :

Zn + 2HCl \u003d ZnCl 2 + H 2.

Hydrochloric acid is widely used in industry for extracting metals from ores, pickling metals, etc. It is also used in the manufacture of soldering liquid, in the deposition silver and as part of royal vodka.

The scale of the use of hydrochloric acid in industry is less than nitric . This is due to the fact that hydrochloric acid causes corrosion of steel equipment. In addition, its volatile vapors are quite harmful and also cause corrosion of metal products. This must be taken into account when storing hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is stored and transported in rubber-lined tanks and barrels, i.e. in vessels, the inner surface of which is covered with acid-resistant rubber, as well as in glass bottles and polyethylene utensils.

Hydrochloric acid is used to produce chlorides zinc, manganese , iron and other metals, as well as ammonium chloride. Hydrochloric acid is used to clean the surfaces of metals, vessels, wells from carbonates, oxides and other sediments and contaminants. In this case, special additives are used - inhibitors that protect the metal from dissolution and corrosion, but do not delay the dissolution of oxides, carbonates and other similar compounds.

HCl used in the industrial production of synthetic resins, rubbers. It is used as a raw material in the production of methyl chloride from methyl alcohol, ethyl chloride from ethylene, and vinyl chloride from acetylene.

HCl poisonous. Poisoning usually occurs by mist formed when the gas interacts with water vapor in the air. HCl it is also absorbed on the mucous membranes with the formation of an acid that causes severe irritation. During prolonged work in the atmosphere HCl there are catarrhs ​​of the respiratory tract, tooth decay, ulceration of the nasal mucosa, gastrointestinal disorders. Permissible content HCl in the air of working premises, no more 0 , 005 mg/l. For protection use a gas mask, goggles, rubber gloves, shoes, apron.

At the same time, our digestion is impossible without hydrochloric acid, its concentration in gastric juice is quite high. If the acidity in the body is lowered, then digestion is disturbed, and doctors prescribe such patients to take hydrochloric acid before eating.

For safety and ease of use, it is recommended to buy the most dilute acid, but sometimes it has to be diluted even more at home. Be sure to wear body and face protection as concentrated acids cause severe chemical burns. To calculate the required amount of acid and water, you will need to know the molarity (M) of the acid and the molarity of the solution you need to get.

Steps

How to calculate the formula

Explore what you already have. Look for the acid concentration symbol on the packaging or in the task description. Usually this value is indicated as molarity, or molar concentration (briefly - M). For example, 6M acid contains 6 moles of acid molecules per liter. Let's call this initial concentration C1.

• The formula will also use the value V 1. This is the volume of acid we will be adding to the water. We probably won't need the whole bottle of acid, though we don't know the exact amount yet.

1. Decide what the result should be. The required concentration and volume of acid is usually indicated in the text of the chemistry problem. For example, we need to dilute the acid to a value of 2M, and we need 0.5 liters of water. Let us denote the required concentration as C2, and the required volume - as V 2.

   • If you are given other units, first convert them to molarity units (moles per liter) and liters.
   • If you don't know what concentration or volume of acid you need, ask a teacher or someone well versed in chemistry.

2. Write a formula to calculate the concentration. Each time you dilute the acid, you will use the following formula: C 1 V 1 = C 2 V 2. This means that the original concentration of a solution times its volume equals the concentration of the diluted solution times its volume. We know this to be true because the concentration times the volume equals the total acid, and the total acid will remain the same.

   • Using the data from the example, we write this formula as (6M)(V 1)=(2M)(0.5L).

3. Solve equation V 1. The value of V 1 will tell us how much we need concentrated acid to get the desired concentration and volume. Let's rewrite the formula as V 1 \u003d (C 2 V 2) / (C 1), then substitute the known numbers.

   • In our example, we get V 1 =((2M)(0.5L))/(6M). This equals approximately 167 milliliters.

4. Calculate the required amount of water. Knowing V 1, that is, the amount of acid available, and V 2, that is, the amount of solution that you get, you can easily calculate how much water you need. V 2 - V 1 = required volume of water.

   • In our case, we want to get 0.167 liters of acid per 0.5 liters of water. We need 0.5 liters - 0.167 liters \u003d 0.333 liters, that is, 333 milliliters.

5. Put on safety goggles, gloves and a gown. You will need special glasses that will cover your eyes and sides. Wear gloves and a gown or apron to avoid burning your skin and clothes.

   Work in a well ventilated area. If possible, work under the included hood - this will prevent acid vapors from harming you and surrounding objects. If you don't have a hood, open all windows and doors or turn on a fan.

6. Find out where the source of running water is. If acid gets in your eyes or on your skin, you will need to rinse the affected area under cool, running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not start work until you find out where the nearest sink is.

   • When rinsing your eyes, keep them open. Look up, down, to the sides so that the eyes are washed from all sides.

7. Know what to do if you spill acid. You can buy a special kit for collecting spilled acid, which will include everything you need, or purchase neutralizers and absorbents separately. The process described below is applicable to hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric and phosphoric acids. Other acids may require different handling.

   • Ventilate the room by opening windows and doors and turning on the exhaust hood and fan.
   • Apply a little sodium carbonate (baking soda), sodium bicarbonate, or calcium carbonate on the outer edges of the puddle to prevent splashing of acid.
   • Gradually fill the entire puddle towards the center until you have completely covered it with the neutralizing agent.
   • Mix thoroughly with a plastic stick. Check the pH value of the puddle with litmus paper. Add more neutralizing agent if this value exceeds 6-8, and then wash the area with plenty of water.

How to dilute acid

1. Cool the water with people. This should only be done if you will be working with high concentrations of acids, such as 18M sulfuric acid or 12M hydrochloric acid. Pour water into a container, place the container on ice for at least 20 minutes.

   • Most often, water at room temperature is sufficient.

2. Pour distilled water into a large flask. For tasks that require extreme precision (for example, titrimetric analysis), use a volumetric flask. For all other purposes, a regular conical flask will do. The entire required volume of liquid must fit in the container, and there must also be room so that the liquid does not spill.

   • If the capacity of the container is known, there is no need to accurately measure the amount of water.

3. Add a small amount of acid. If you are working with small amounts of water, use a graduated or measuring pipette with a rubber tip. If the volume is large, insert a funnel into the flask and carefully pour the acid in small portions with a pipette.

   • Do not use pipettes in the chemistry lab that require air to be sucked in by mouth.

What is hydrochloric acid solution? It is a compound of water (H2O) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), which is a colorless thermal gas with a characteristic odor. Chlorides are highly soluble and decompose into ions. Hydrochloric acid is the most well-known compound that forms HCl, so we can talk about it and its features in detail.

Description

Hydrochloric acid solution belongs to the class of strong. It is colorless, transparent and caustic. Although technical hydrochloric acid has a yellowish color due to the presence of impurities and other elements. It "smokes" in the air.

It is worth noting that this substance is also present in the body of every person. In the stomach, to be more precise, at a concentration of 0.5%. Interestingly, this amount is enough to completely destroy the razor blade. The substance will corrode it in just a week.

Unlike the same sulfuric acid, by the way, the mass of hydrochloric acid in solution does not exceed 38%. We can say that this indicator is a “critical” point. If you start to increase the concentration, then the substance will simply evaporate, as a result of which hydrogen chloride will simply evaporate with water. Plus, this concentration is maintained only at 20 ° C. The higher the temperature, the faster the evaporation.

Interaction with metals

Hydrochloric acid solution can enter into many reactions. First of all, with metals that stand before hydrogen in a series of electrochemical potentials. This is the sequence in which the elements go as their characteristic measure, the electrochemical potential (φ 0), increases. This indicator is extremely important in the cation reduction half-reactions. In addition, it is this series that demonstrates the activity of metals, which they exhibit in redox reactions.

So, interaction with them occurs with the release of hydrogen in the form of gas and with the formation of salt. Here is an example of a reaction with sodium, a soft alkali metal: 2Na + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H 2 .

With other substances, the interaction proceeds according to similar formulas. This is how the reaction with aluminum, a light metal, looks like: 2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl 3 + 3H 2.

Reactions with oxides

Hydrochloric acid solution also interacts well with these substances. Oxides are binary compounds of an element with oxygen, having an oxidation state of -2. All known examples are sand, water, rust, dyes, carbon dioxide.

Hydrochloric acid does not interact with all compounds, but only with metal oxides. The reaction also produces a soluble salt and water. An example is the process that occurs between acid and magnesium oxide, an alkaline earth metal: MgO + 2HCl → MgCl 2 + H 2 O.

Reactions with hydroxides

This is the name of inorganic compounds in the compositions of which there is a hydroxyl group -OH, in which the hydrogen and oxygen atoms are connected by a covalent bond. And, since the hydrochloric acid solution only interacts with metal hydroxides, it is worth mentioning that some of them are called alkalis.

So the resulting reaction is called neutralization. Its result is the formation of a weakly dissociating substance (i.e. water) and salt.

An example is the reaction of a small volume of hydrochloric acid solution and barium hydroxide, a soft alkaline earth malleable metal: Ba(OH) 2 + 2HCl = BaCl 2 + 2H 2 O.

Interaction with other substances

In addition to the above, hydrochloric acid can also react with other types of compounds. In particular with:

• Metal salts, which are formed by other, weaker acids. Here is an example of one of these reactions: Na 2 Co 3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H 2 O + CO 2. Shown here is the interaction with a salt formed by carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3).
• Strong oxidizers. With manganese dioxide, for example. Or with potassium permanganate. These reactions are accompanied by the release of chlorine. Here is one example: 2KMnO 4 + 16HCl → 5Cl 2 + 2MnCl 2 + 2KCl + 8H 2 O.
• ammonia. It is hydrogen nitride with the formula NH 3 , which is a colorless but pungent gas. The consequence of its reaction with a solution of hydrochloric acid is a mass of thick white smoke, consisting of small crystals of ammonium chloride. Which, by the way, is known to everyone as ammonia (NH 4 Cl). The interaction formula is as follows: NH 3 + HCl → NH 4 CL.
• Silver nitrate - an inorganic compound (AgNO 3), which is a salt of nitric acid and silver metal. Due to the contact of a solution of hydrochloric acid with it, a qualitative reaction occurs - the formation of a cheesy precipitate of silver chloride. which does not dissolve in nitric acid. It looks like this: HCL + AgNO 3 → AgCl ↓ + HNO 3.

Getting a substance

Now we can talk about what they do to form hydrochloric acid.

First, by burning hydrogen in chlorine, the main component, gaseous hydrogen chloride, is obtained. which is then dissolved in water. The result of this simple reaction is the formation of a synthetic acid.

This substance can also be obtained from off-gases. These are chemical waste (side) gases. They are formed by a variety of processes. For example, when chlorinating hydrocarbons. The hydrogen chloride in their composition is called off-gas. And the acid thus obtained, respectively.

It should be noted that in last years the share of the off-gas substance in the total volume of its production is increasing. And the acid formed as a result of burning hydrogen in chlorine is displaced. However, in fairness, it should be noted that it contains fewer impurities.

Application in everyday life

Many cleaning products that householders use regularly contain a certain amount of hydrochloric acid solution. 2-3 percent, and sometimes less, but it's there. That is why, putting plumbing in order (washing tiles, for example), you need to wear gloves. Highly acid products can harm the skin.

Another solution is used as a stain remover. It helps to get rid of ink or rust on clothes. But in order for the effect to be noticeable, it is necessary to use a more concentrated substance. A 10% hydrochloric acid solution will do. He, by the way, perfectly removes scale.

It is important to store the substance correctly. Keep acid in glass containers and in places where animals and children cannot reach. Even a weak solution that gets on the skin or mucous membranes can cause a chemical burn. If this happens, immediately rinse the areas with water.

In the field of construction

The use of hydrochloric acid and its solutions is a popular way to improve many building processes. For example, it is often added to concrete mix to increase frost resistance. In addition, this way it hardens faster, and the resistance of the masonry to moisture increases.

Hydrochloric acid is also used as a limestone cleaner. Its 10% solution - The best way fighting dirt and marks on red brick. It is not recommended to use it for cleaning others. The structure of other bricks is more sensitive to the action of this substance.

In medicine

In this area, the substance under consideration is also actively used. Dilute hydrochloric acid has the following effects:

• Digests proteins in the stomach.
• Stops the development of malignant tumors.
• Helps in the treatment of cancer.
• Normalizes acid-base balance.
• Serves as an effective tool in the prevention of hepatitis, diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cholelithiasis, rosacea, asthma, urticaria and many other ailments.

Did you come up with the idea to dilute the acid and use it inside in this form, and not as part of medicines? This is practiced, but it is strictly forbidden to do this without medical advice and instructions. Having calculated the proportions incorrectly, you can swallow an excess of hydrochloric acid solution, and simply burn your stomach.

By the way, you can still take medications that stimulate the production of this substance. And not just chemicals. The same calamus, peppermint and wormwood contribute to this. You can make decoctions based on them yourself, and drink them for prevention.

Burns and poisoning

As effective as this remedy is, it is dangerous. Hydrochloric acid, depending on the concentration, can cause chemical burns of four degrees:

1. There is only redness and pain.
2. There are blisters with a clear liquid and swelling.
3. Formed necrosis of the upper layers of the skin. Blisters fill with blood or cloudy contents.
4. The lesion reaches the tendons and muscles.

If the substance somehow got into the eyes, it is necessary to rinse them with water, and then with a soda solution. But in any case, the first thing to do is to call an ambulance.

The ingestion of acid inside is fraught with acute pains in the chest and abdomen, swelling of the larynx, vomiting bloody masses. As a result, severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys.

And the first signs of poisoning in pairs include a dry frequent cough, choking, damage to the teeth, burning in the mucous membranes and abdominal pain. The first emergency aid is washing and rinsing the mouth with water, as well as access to fresh air. Only a toxicologist can provide real help.

Hydrochloric acid- a chemical substance that is presented in the form of the interaction of water and hydrogen chloride. In its pure form, the acid has no color. technical view acid has a yellowish tint, because it contains iron, chlorine and some other elements. Hydrochloric acid is used in many areas of human life. The fields of application of hydrochloric acid are very diverse. Let's consider them further.

The use of hydrochloric acid in industry

For example, the food industry uses acid as a food additive E507. This additive is used in the manufacturing process of vodka products, as well as various syrups. The use of hydrochloric acid in the food industry mainly plays the role of a regulator of the acid state of products. In metallurgy, technical hydrochloric acid is popular. It is used to clean metal before soldering or tinning. Etching and pickling in electroforming is not complete without the participation of hydrochloric acid. It creates an active environment for the above mentioned processes.

In order for the use of hydrochloric acid in industry not to create unnecessary problems, it is necessary to approach the choice of its type and concentration with responsibility.

The use of hydrochloric acid in everyday life

You probably have not thought about the composition of cleaning products that you use daily. Many of them contain hydrochloric acid. Use in everyday life, for the toilet: we use products that are highly acidic, which is why they should only be used with rubber gloves. This will keep your hands from getting irritated.

Housewives use a solution of hydrochloric acid at home. Using it as a stain remover helps get rid of rust or ink on clothes. Hydrochloric acid should be stored in glass containers out of the reach of small children. If hydrochloric acid has got on the skin or mucous membranes, it is necessary to immediately wash the affected area with running water. The use of hydrochloric acid at home should be carried out in compliance with safety rules. In addition to the ability to remove difficult stains from clothes, hydrochloric acid is used to combat scale. In order not to aggravate the situation when cleaning dirty dishes, it is recommended to use a certain concentration of acid. In these cases, inhibited hydrochloric acid is used, the use of which allows you to maintain the integrity of dishes made of fragile materials.

To keep your home and clothes clean, you must have hydrochloric acid at home. Use in everyday life should be extremely careful so as not to harm yourself and the things you interact with.

The use of hydrochloric acid in medicine

Hydrochloric acid is one of the components of human gastric juice. Therefore, in case of a decrease in its concentration, medications based on hydrochloric acid are prescribed. The use of hydrochloric acid in medicine plays a special role in the health of a person with diseases of the digestive tract. Due to the presence of a certain amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice, the food is digested, and the microorganisms that enter the stomach die.

Hydrochloric acid is also used to treat specific skin diseases (warts). The use in folk medicine has become widespread: to improve digestion with low acidity of gastric juice, it is necessary to take hydrochloric acid preparations before eating. The use of hydrochloric acid (salts) helps in the fight against digestive disorders.

The use of hydrochloric acid in construction

Hydrochloric acid is used to improve the quality of many construction processes. For example, adding hydrochloric acid to a concrete mix increases its frost resistance. Also, the mixture hardens faster, and the masonry becomes more resistant to moisture. It is also known the use of hydrochloric acid in construction as a limestone cleaner. Red brick is cleaned of dirt and traces of building materials with a 10% hydrochloric acid solution. It is important to remember that not all types of bricks are affected by hydrochloric acid without damaging the structure of the building product. Therefore, you need to use only ten percent hydrochloric acid. chemical solution hydrochloric acid significantly saves finances, because other cleaners can cost ten times more.

The low cost does not make the use of hydrochloric acid less effective. Acid is used in many industries: from medical to construction. But, like all other acids, hydrochloric acid has the ability to irritate the skin, and high concentrations can lead to burns.

You can buy hydrochloric acid online by clicking on the link