Uses of hydrochloric acid in daily life

Hydrochloric acid(HCL) is an odorless and colorless solution of hydrogen chloride and water. It is a strong mineral acid and very corrosive, and naturally, it is found in gastric juice inside the stomach. HCl is a chemical reagent that is used to bring about a chemical reaction and it acts as an additive in food. Among the seven-strong mineral acids in chemistry, hydrochloric acid is a strong and most difficult monoprotic acid to undergo a redox reaction. Even though acidic, HCl contains chlorine ions that are nontoxic and nonreactive. The medium concentration of hydrochloric acid is enough to store and it continues to maintain its concentration. Hydrochloric acid is predominantly found in several industries like textiles, rubber, and even in photography. In every home, HCl is a common factor. In short, there are a lot of uses for hydrochloric acid. Let's find out some uses of HCl in daily life.

Common Uses of Hydrochloric Acid

1.Production of Organic Compounds
HCl has many industrial applications, the one among them is the production of organic compounds like dichloroethane and vinyl chloride for PVC.
 It is also used in the production of other organic compounds like bisphenol A, which is used in various pharmaceutical products. TDI &MDI
 manufacturing of toluene diisocyanate and methylene diphenyl  diisocyanate - commonly used in polyethylene

2.Production of Inorganic Compounds
HCl is highly used in the production of inorganic compounds like water treatment chemicals which include PAC (polyaluminium chloride), ferric acid, and iron (III)chloride. These are used as coagulation and flocculation agents in the production of drinking water, sewage treatment an even in the production of paper.

3.Removing metal stains
Even though HCl is highly corrosive it is used to remove stains from metals, it cleans iron, copper, brass and other metals.  Before using, make sure that it is in diluted form because HCl is a powerful cleaning agent. HCL is also used in the textile industry for bleaching and to process leather.

4.Oil production
HCL is an important factor in the oil production industry. oil-well acidization is the process in which HCl is used. In this process, when acid is injected into the rock, it forms a large pore structure to dissolve the sections of rocks and thus it stimulates oil production.

5.Purification of Table Salt, and pH Control
HCL is used in regulating the acidity of solutions(pH), purifies table salts and also it controls the pH of pharmaceutical products, foods and drinking water. HCL is also used in neutralizing waste streams.

6.For digesting foods
Different varieties of foods are processed using HCL additives like aspartame. Aspartame presence in the body helps in the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach by gastrin hormone. HCl present in gastric juices in the stomach helps in the digestion of foods and also it acidifies the stomach contents.

7.For cleaning pools
Water chemistry in swimming pools has an important role. maintaining pH balance is an essential factor in this chemistry. The pH value in the swimming pool should be slightly alkaline to provide optimum chlorine levels. It should not be below 7 to avoid acidification of water. It should not be above 8 because alkalinity may slow down chlorine activity.
 HCL is the best-preferred chemical used here because of its cleaning property. HCL not only maintains the pH level it also removes dark stains that have seen on the tiles of the pool. Only 10% of HCl solutions are recommended in this type of use to prevent any corrosion.

When handling HCl extreme care must be taken. In high concentrations, it releases an acid mist to air Precautions to be taken for safe handling of hydrochloric acid includes:

  • Wash thoroughly after handling. 
  • Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. 
  • Use only in a well-ventilated area. 
  • Contents may develop pressure upon prolonged storage. 
  • Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. 
  • Do not get in eyes, on the skin, or clothing. 
  • Keep container tightly closed Do not ingest or inhale. 
  • Discard contaminated shoes.
  • Use caution when opening. 
  • Keep from contact with moist air and steam.


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