What is a hydrochloric acid solution? It is a compound of water (H2O) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), which is a colorless thermal gas with a characteristic odor. Chlorides dissolve well and decompose into ions. Hydrochloric acid is the most famous compound that forms HCl, so that you can talk about it and its features in detail.
Description
A solution of hydrochloric acid belongs to the class of strengths. It is colorless, transparent and caustic. Although technical hydrochloric acid has a yellowish color, due to the presence of impurities of chlorine, iron and other elements. "Smokes" in the air.
It is worth noting that this substance is also present in the body of every person. In the stomach, to be more precise, at a concentration of 0.5%. Interestingly, this amount is enough to completely destroy the razor blade. The substance will corrode him in just a week.
In contrast to the same sulfuric, by the way, the mass of hydrochloric acid in the solution does not exceed 38%. We can say that this indicator is a βcriticalβ point. If you start to increase the concentration, the substance will simply evaporate, as a result of which hydrogen chloride will simply evaporate with water. Plus, this concentration remains only at 20 Β° C. The higher the temperature, the faster the evaporation.
Metal interaction
A hydrochloric acid solution can enter into many reactions. First of all, with metals that stand up to hydrogen in a series of electrochemical potentials. This is the sequence in which the elements go with the increase of such a characteristic measure as the electrochemical potential (Ο 0 ). This indicator is extremely important in half reactions of cation reduction. In addition, it is this series that demonstrates the activity of metals, which they show in redox reactions.
So, the interaction with them occurs with the release of hydrogen in the form of gas and with the formation of salt. Here is an example of a reaction with sodium, a soft alkali metal: 2Na + 2HCl β 2NaCl + H 2 β.
With other substances, the interaction proceeds according to similar formulas. This is the reaction with aluminum, a light metal: 2Al + 6HCl β 2AlCl 3 + 3 2 β.
Oxide Reactions
A solution of hydrochloric acid also perfectly interacts with these substances. Oxides are binary compounds of an element with oxygen having an oxidation state of -2. All known examples are sand, water, rust, dyes, carbon dioxide.
Hydrochloric acid does not interact with all compounds, but only with metal oxides. The reaction also forms a soluble salt and water. An example is the process that occurs between an acid and magnesium oxide, an alkaline earth metal: MgO + 2HCl β MgCl 2 + H 2 O.
Hydroxide Reactions
This is the name of inorganic compounds in the compositions of which there is a hydroxyl group βOH, in which hydrogen and oxygen atoms are connected by a covalent bond. And, since a hydrochloric acid solution only interacts with metal hydroxides, it is worth mentioning that some of them are called alkalis.
So the resulting reaction is called neutralization. Its result is the formation of a weakly dissociating substance (i.e. water) and salt.
An example is the reaction of a small volume of a solution of hydrochloric acid and barium hydroxide, a soft alkaline earth malleable metal: Ba (OH) 2 + 2HCl = BaCl 2 + 2H 2 O.
Interaction with other substances
In addition to the above, hydrochloric acid can also react with compounds of other types. In particular, with:
- Metal salts that are formed by other, weaker acids. Here is an example of one of these reactions: Na 2 Co 3 + 2HCl β 2NaCl + 2 + 2 β. The interaction with the salt formed by carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ) is shown here.
- Strong oxidizing agents. With manganese dioxide, for example. Or with potassium permanganate. Such reactions are accompanied by the release of chlorine. Here is one example: 2KMnO 4 + 16HCl β 5Cl 2 β + 2MnCl 2 + 2KCl + 8H 2 O.
- Ammonia. This is hydrogen nitride with the formula NH 3 , which is a colorless but sharply smelling gas. The consequence of his reaction with a solution of hydrochloric acid is a mass of thick white smoke, consisting of small crystals of ammonium chloride. Which, by the way, is known to everyone as ammonia (NH 4 Cl). The interaction formula is as follows: NH 3 + HCl β NH 4 CL.
- Silver nitrate is an inorganic compound (AgNO 3 ), which is a salt of nitric acid and silver metal. Due to contact with a hydrochloric acid solution, a qualitative reaction occurs - the formation of a curdled precipitate of silver chloride. Which does not dissolve in nitrogen. It looks like this: HCL + AgNO 3 β AgCl β + HNO 3 .
Receiving a substance
Now we can talk about what they are doing to form hydrochloric acid.
First, by burning hydrogen in chlorine, the main component is obtained - gaseous hydrogen chloride. Which is then dissolved in water. The result of this simple reaction is the formation of a synthetic acid.
This substance can also be obtained from exhaust gases. These are chemical off-gases. They are formed in a variety of processes. For example, when chlorinating hydrocarbons. The hydrogen chloride in their composition is called gas. And the acid obtained in this way, respectively.
It should be noted that in recent years, the share of non-gas substances in the total volume of its production has been increasing. And the acid formed as a result of burning hydrogen in chlorine is displaced. However, in fairness it should be noted that it contains less impurities.
Domestic use
Many cleaning products that household people use regularly have a certain proportion of hydrochloric acid solution. 2-3 percent, and sometimes less, but it is there. That is why, putting plumbing in order (washing the tile, for example), you need to wear gloves. Highly acidic products can harm the skin.
Another solution is used as a stain remover. It helps get rid of ink or rust on clothes. But for the effect to be noticeable, it is necessary to use a more concentrated substance. A solution of hydrochloric acid in 10% is suitable. He, by the way, perfectly removes scale.
It is important to properly store the substance. Contain acid in glass containers and in places where animals and children cannot reach. Even a weak solution that gets on the skin or mucous membrane can cause a chemical burn. If this happens, rinse immediately with water.
In the field of construction
The use of hydrochloric acid and its solutions is a popular way to improve many building processes. For example, it is often added to concrete mix to increase frost resistance. In addition, it hardens faster, and the masonry's resistance to moisture increases.
Hydrochloric acid is also used as a limestone cleaner. Its 10 percent mortar is the best way to deal with dirt and traces on red brick. It is not recommended to use it to clean others. The structure of other bricks is more sensitive to the effects of this substance.
In medicine
In this area, the substance under consideration is also actively used. Diluted hydrochloric acid has the following effects:
- Digests proteins in the stomach.
- Stops the development of malignant tumors.
- Helps in the treatment of cancer.
- Normalizes acid-base balance.
- It serves as an effective tool in the prevention of hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, gallstone disease, rosacea, asthma, urticaria and many other ailments.
In general, a useful drug. If a person has lowered the acidity of gastric juice, then he will not hurt to drink a course of medications, which include hydrochloric acid. A good option is Ortho Taurin Ergo. It increases the level of hydrochloric acid in the gastric environment, helps fight bacteria and parasites.
The idea came up with the idea of ββdiluting acid and consuming it inside in such a way, and not as part of medicines? This is practiced, but it is strictly forbidden to do this without medical advice and instructions. Incorrectly calculated proportions, you can swallow an excess of a solution of hydrochloric acid, and just burn your stomach.
By the way, you can still take medications that stimulate the production of this substance. And not only chemical. The same calamus, peppermint and wormwood contribute to this. Decoctions based on them can be made by yourself, and drink for prevention.
Burns and poisoning
No matter how effective this remedy is, it is dangerous. Hydrochloric acid, depending on the concentration, can trigger chemical burns of four degrees:
- Only redness and pain occurs.
- Bubbles with a clear liquid and swelling appear.
- Necrosis of the upper layers of the skin is formed. Bubbles are filled with blood or cloudy contents.
- The lesion reaches the tendons and muscles.
If the substance somehow gets into your eyes, rinse them with water and then with a soda solution. But in any case, the first thing you need to call an ambulance.
Acid ingestion is fraught with acute pain in the chest and abdomen, swelling of the larynx, and vomiting of bloody masses. As a result, severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
And the first signs of poisoning in pairs include dry frequent cough, suffocation, tooth damage, burning in the mucous membranes and abdominal pain. First aid is washing and rinsing the mouth with water, as well as access to fresh air. Only a toxicologist can provide real help.