Hydrochloric acid HCl
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Highly Corrosive :
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Hydrochloric acid is a strong inorganic acid that is used in many industrial processes.
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The largest hydrochloric acid consumption is in the production of organic compounds such as vinyl chloride for PVC, and MDI and TDI for polyurethane. This
is often captive use, consuming locally-produced hydrochloric acid that never actually reaches the open market. Other organic
compounds produced with hydrochloric acid include bisphenol A for polycarbonate, activated carbon, and ascorbic acid, as well
as numerous pharmaceutical products.
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Hydrochloric acid is a fundamental chemical, and as such it is used for a large number of small-scale applications, such as
leather processing, household cleaning, and building construction. In addition, a way of stimulating oil production is by
injecting hydrochloric acid into the rock formation of an oil well, dissolving a portion of the rock, and creating a large-pore structure. Oil-well acidizing
is a common process in the North Sea oil production industry.
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Many chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid are applied in the production of food, food ingredients, and food additives.
Typical products include aspartame, fructose, citric acid, lysine, hydrolyzed (vegetable) protein as food enhancer, and in
gelatin production. Food-grade (extra-pure) hydrochloric acid can be applied when needed for the final product. Mixing simple
aluminium foil with hydrochloric acid produces hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored in a balloon. Upon application of a flame to the balloon it will produce a fiery explosion.
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