Overview

Hydrogen chloride (HY-druh-jin KLOR-ide) is a colorless gas with a strong, suffocating odor. The gas is not flammable, but is corrosive, that is, capable of attacking and reacting with a large variety of other compounds and elements. Hydrogen chloride is most commonly available as an aqueous solution known as hydrochloric acid. It is one of the most important industrial chemicals in the world. In 2004, just over 5 million metric tons (5.5 million short tons) of hydrogen chloride were produced in the United States, making it the eighteenth most important chemical in the nation for that year.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Anhydrous hydrochloric acid

Formula:

HCl

Elements:

Hydrogen; chlorine

Compound Type:

Inorganic acid

State:

Gas

Molecular Weight:

36.46 g/mol

Melting Point:

−114.17°C (−173.51°F)

Boiling Point:

−85°C (−121°F)

Solubility:

Very soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and ether

Hydrogen chloride has probably been known as far back as the...