Hydrochloric Acid (38% HCl), also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salt, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl). It is a colorless solution with a pungent smell, classified as a strong acid. Hydrochloric acid is a natural component of gastric acid in the digestive systems of most animals, including humans. It serves as an important laboratory reagent and industrial chemical.

Applications and Uses:

• Production: Used to make batteries, fireworks, and photoflash bulbs.
• Oil Well Acidizing: Injected into oil wells to dissolve rock and create a large-pore structure to stimulate oil production.
• Food Production: Used in the production of food, food ingredients, and food additives such as aspartame, fructose, citric acid, and lysine.
• Leather Processing: Used in the tanning of leather.
• Building and Construction: Used in building and construction applications.
• Household Cleaning: Commonly used for household cleaning tasks.
• De-scaling: Effective for de-scaling kettles and other appliances.
• Cleaning Mortar: Used to clean mortar off brickwork.

Additional Uses:

• Production of chlorides, fertilizers, dyes, and gelatin products.
• Used in the photographic, textile, and rubber industries.

Safety Precautions:

Hydrochloric acid can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, eyes, skin, and intestines. Proper safety measures should be taken when handling, including protective gloves, eyewear, and ventilation to prevent inhalation of fumes.