hydrochloric acid (HCl)

A demonstration of the reaction between hydrochloric acid and ammonia resulting in the production of white clouds of ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl)

A clear, colorless, fuming, poisonous, highly acidic, aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride, HCl. A saturated solution of hydrochloric contains about 43% HCl and gives a constant-boiling mixture. It is an extremely corrosive mineral acid and must be handled in glass or plastic equipment or in apparatus using special alloys (tantalum, nickel-molybdenum).

Hydrochloric acid is used in petroleum production, as a chemical intermediate, in ore reduction, food processing, pickling, and metal cleaning. It was formerly known as "spirits of salt."

Stomach acid

Dilute hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach lining and is important in the digestion of proteins. Excessive acid production, which may be stimulated by stress or tobacco smoking, results in the condition known and hyperchlorhydria and may cause gastric ulcers. In acid reflex (backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus), hydrochloric acid may cause esophagitis and heartburn.

Related category

• INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

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