HCl properties: MW 36.46 g/mol. Colorless gas. Melting point -114.2°C, boiling point -85.1°C. Density 1.639 kg/m³ (gas, 0°C), 1.194 g/mL (liquid, 20°C). Vapor pressure 4.2 MPa (20°C). Viscosity 0.26 cP (-85°C). Heat capacity 29.12 J/mol•K. Forms hydrates HCl•H2O, HCl•2H2O, HCl•3H2O, HCl•6H2O. Conducts electricity in aqueous solution.
HCL Basic Properties
Property
Value
Atomic Number
1 (H), 17 (Cl)
Atomic Mass
36.46 g/mol
State at Room Temperature
Gas
Density
1.49 g/L (gas)
Electrons
1 (H), 17 (Cl)
Protons
1 (H), 17 (Cl)
Neutrons
0 (H), 18-20 (Cl)
Family
Hydrogen, Halogens
Period
1 (H), 3 (Cl)
Discovery
Discovered in 1810 by Humphry Davy
Cost
Inexpensive to produce
HCL Physical Properties
Property
Value
Melting Point
-114°C
Boiling Point
-85°C
Solubility
Highly soluble in water, forming hydrochloric acid
Conductivity
Poor conductor of electricity
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Color
Colorless
Odor
Pungent, irritating
Hardness
N/A (gas)
Vapor Pressure
40.1 atm at 20°C
Viscosity
0.0089 cP at 0°C
Surface Tension
N/A (gas)
Refractive Index
1.000 (gas)
Specific Heat Capacity
14.3 J/(mol·K)
Thermal Expansion
N/A (gas)
HCL Chemical Properties
Property
Value
Reactivity
Highly reactive, especially with bases and metals
Flammability
Non-flammable
pH
0 (aqueous solution)
Oxidation States
-1
Electronegativity
3.1 (Pauling scale)
Corrosion Resistance
Highly corrosive
Chemical Stability
Stable under normal conditions
Heat of Combustion
N/A (no combustion)
Rate of Reaction
Varies depending on conditions
Acid-Base Behavior
Strong acid
Redox Potential
+0.22 V (Cl2/Cl-)
HCL Spectroscopic Properties
Property
Value
Absorption Spectrum
Characteristic absorption bands in the infrared region
Emission Spectrum
Characteristic emission lines in the visible and ultraviolet regions
NMR Properties
1H NMR: δ = 0 ppm (reference)
HCL Crystallographic Properties
Property
Value
Crystal Structure
N/A (gas)
Unit Cell Dimensions
N/A (gas)
HCL Electronic Properties
Property
Value
Band Gap
N/A (gas)
Electrical Resistivity
N/A (gas)
HCL Isotopic Composition
Isotope
Abundance
Hydrogen-1 (1H)
99.9885%
Hydrogen-2 (2H, Deuterium)
0.0115%
Hydrogen-3 (3H, Tritium)
Trace amounts
Chlorine-35 (35Cl)
75.78%
Chlorine-37 (37Cl)
24.22%
HCL Discovery Details
Hydrogen chloride was first prepared in 1648 by Glauber by heating sodium chloride with concentrated sulfuric acid. Davy demonstrated in 1840 that HCl is a combination of chlorine and hydrogen.
Interesting Facts
Hydrogen chloride is a colorless gas with a pungent aroma.
It is highly soluble in water, forming hydrochloric acid.
Hydrochloric acid is commonly known as HCl and is used in various industrial applications.
HCL Applications
Industrial Uses
Production of hydrochloric acid for various chemical processes.
Used in the synthesis of compounds for water treatment chemicals.
Medical Uses
Utilized in pharmaceuticals and medical laboratories for chemical reactions.
Agricultural Uses
Additive in animal feed to enhance digestion processes.
Energy Production
Used in fuel cells for energy generation.
Technology and Electronics
Essential in the semiconductor industry as a cleaning and etching agent.
Catalyst in organic synthesis reactions.
Environmental Applications
Used as a disinfectant and in water treatment processes.
HCL Safety Precautions
Hydrogen chloride is a highly corrosive gas that can cause severe burns to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system upon exposure.
Proper personal protective equipment like goggles, gloves, and a respirator should be worn when handling HCl.
Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen chloride can be fatal, necessitating well-ventilated areas or local exhaust ventilation during use.
Hydrochloric acid is usually sold as a solution containing 28–35% hydrogen chloride by weight.
Anhydrous liquid hydrogen chloride is available but has limited applications due to storage challenges.
