Description

Hydrochloric acid, hydrogen chloride, muriatic acid (HCl) is a strong acid made up of chlorine and hydrogen. At room temperature it is a colourless gas, but in the presence of moisture it forms a kind of mist because it is highly hygroscopic. That is why it is commercially known as muriatic acid. It is sold dissolved in water. It is used for cleaning, although care must be taken because it is toxic and highly corrosive. With metals it forms chlorides. It has many industrial applications.