What is HCI?

HCl is the chemical formula for hydrochloric acid. It usually exists as a nonflammable, colorless aquatic solution or as a gas. One HCl molecule consists of a hydrogen atom bonded with a chlorine atom and is also known as hydrogen chloride.

Hydrochloric acid is used to produce chlorides, fertilizers and dyes and has a variety of other industrial uses. It can be employed to clean metal products, remove scale from boilers, neutralize basic systems and act as a laboratory reagent. HCl is also used in electroplating, ore refining and the textile and rubber industries.

Pure HCl has a pungent odor and is highly corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.