Here we go again in azchemistry.com, #1 A-Z chemistry lab, study & research site. If azchemistry.com has discussed some article like health Canada list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients, list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients in UK, and list of restricted and prohibited firearms in Canada but this time we will learn about uses of hydrochloric acid in daily life.
To remind you of this one chemical, you must have heard stomach acid, right? Well what is meant by stomach acid is hydrochloric acid, with the chemical formula HCl. In the body HCl is produced in the stomach and naturally helps destroy food ingredients that enter the intestine. Before we discuss about it, it is better to discuss about acid first.
Acid is an inorganic molecule that releases hydrogen ions (positively charged hydrogen atoms) when added to water. These molecules tend to break (or separate) when added to water, and the amount of hydrogen ions released during this process will determine the acidity of the solution.
Acids come in two basic types: weak acids and strong acids. Weak acids dissociate partially, while strong acids separate completely in water. One of the most important strong acids is hydrochloric acid (or HCl).
- History of Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid was first discovered around 800 after AD by chemist Jabir bin Hayyan (Geber) by mixing sodium chloride with sulfuric acid (“vitriol”). Jabir discovered many other important chemical compounds, and recorded his findings in more than twenty books. Jabir’s discovery of king’s water which can dissolve gold contains hydrochloric acid and nitric acid which is one of the most dangerous chemicals in the world.
Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is monoprotic acid, which means that it can dissociate to release one H + only once. In hydrochloric acid solution, this H + combines with water molecules to form hydronium ions, H3O +:
HCl + H2O → H3O + + Cl-
Another ion that is formed is chloride ion, Cl-. Hydrochloric acid can therefore be used to make chloride salts, such as sodium chloride. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid because it dissociates fully in water.
Monoprotic acid has one acid dissociation constant, Ka, which indicates the level of dissociation of the substance in water. For strong acids such as HCl, the value of Ka is quite large. Some theoretical calculations have been made to calculate the value of Ka HCl. When a chloride salt such as NaCl is added to HCl solution, it will not significantly change the pH of the solution. This indicates that Cl- is a very weak base conjugate and HCl fully dissociates in the solution. For a strong hydrochloric acid solution, the assumption that the molarity of H + is equal to HCl molarity is quite good, with accuracy reaching a significant four-digit number.
Of the seven strong mineral acids in chemistry, hydrochloric acid is the most difficult monoprotic acid to undergo a redox reaction. It is also a strong acid that is most harmless to treat compared to other strong acids. Although acidic, it contains chloride ions which are not reactive and non-toxic. Hydrochloric acid in medium concentration is stable enough to be stored and continues to maintain its concentration. For this reason, hydrochloric acid is an excellent acidifying reagent beside another reagen like acetic acid which is include to weak electrolyte examples.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is known as a strong acid which is able to dissolve various types of metals and produce metal chloride and hydrogen gas. At room temperature, HCl is a colorless gas that forms a white mist of hydrochloric acid when in contact with air humidity. Hydrochloric acid is an aquatic solution of hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). It is a strong acid, and is a major component in stomach acid. This compound is also widely used in industry. Hydrochloric acid must be handled with proper safety rules because it is a highly corrosive liquid.
Hydrochloric acid solution or commonly known as HCl solution in water, is a chemical that is very corrosive and has a strong odor. HCl includes hazardous chemicals or B3.
- The following are some of the benefits or uses of hydrochloric acid for daily life, such as :
1. Hydrochloric acid or HCl is used as a chemical to regenerate cation resin, which is saturated in the cation exchanger column, which is contained in the demineralization water production facility.
2. HCl is used in the vinyl chloride production process, which is the raw material for making PVC or polyvinyl chloride plastic.
3. Hydrochloric acid is also used for the process of purifying kitchen salts.
4. For the purpose of regulating acidity or pH, the role of hydrochloric acid is also very important, including to regulate pH in wastewater.
5. As ingredient of porcelain cleaners, Hydrochloric acid is found in household products such as porcelain cleaners. With a very distinctive smell, you will easily be able to recognize the presence of hydrochloric acid in the product.
6. HCl is used for animal skin processing.
7. Hydrochloric acid is used as a raw material for making fluorocarbon compounds such as tetrafluoroethene, a monomer of poly (tetrafluoroethene).
8. It is also used in the process of making inorganic compounds such as aluminum chloride.
9. acid is also used in the production of magnesium and titanium.
10. To remove stains in the bathroom and kitchen, to remove stains in the bathroom and kitchen, you can also use hydrochloric acid directly. Of course after you dilute it. But keep in mind, hydrochloric acid is very corrosive. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
11. To remove rust or iron oxide from iron or steel, Hydrochloric acid is used in the metal industry to remove rust or iron oxide from iron or steel.
12. the raw material for making iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) and polyalumium chloride (PAC), HCl is the raw material for making iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) and polyalumium chloride (PAC), which are chemicals used as raw materials for coagulants and flocculants. Coagulants and flocculants are used in water treatment.
13. Regulates the pH (acidity) of industrial wastewater, Hydrochloric acid is also used to regulate the pH (acidity) of industrial wastewater, before being discharged to the receiving water body.
14. Stimulates oil production, oil production can be stimulated by injecting hydrochloric acid into the rocks forming oil wells, which dissolve a number of rocks, and create a large-porous structure. Oil well acidification is a common process in the North Sea oil production industry.
15. Used in production of food , food ingredients, and food additives, many chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid used in the production of food, food ingredients, and food additives. Typical products include aspartame, fructose, citric acid, lysine, hydrolyzed vegetable protein as a flavor enhancer, and in the production of gelatin. Food grade (very pure) hydrochloric acid can be used when needed for the final product.
- Warning in using hydrochloric acid :
Hydrochloric acid is corrosive, which means it will damage and erode biological tissue when touched. Furthermore, HCl can cause major internal damage if inhaled or swallowed. For this reason, it is recommended that someone who handles HCl should use gloves, glasses, and masks while working with these acids.
That’s all about the uses of hydrochloric acid in dailylife. Hope this article is useful to give you enough information about it. Thanks.