Description

What is hydrochloric acid?
Hydrochloric acid or hydrochloric acid (salt ink) is a clear, colorless, and highly odorous solution of hydrogen chloride in water with the chemical formula HCl. It is a highly corrosive and acidic mineral acid with many industrial applications. This acid is widely used because it is one of the basic chemicals. Colorless hydrochloric acid gas with a pungent odor and an acidic taste is heavier than air. It is easily liquefied and, when wet or dissolved, turns blue to red. Hydrochloric acid has long been known as salicylic acid, moriatic acid, and salt spirits, and is derived from vitriol (sulfuric acid) and common salt. Free hydrochloric acid was first officially introduced in the 16th century by Andreas Libavius. Later, chemists such as Johann Rudolf Glaber, Joseph Priestley, and Humphrey Davy used it in their scientific research.