Chemical Safety Data: Hydrochloric acid

Common synonyms	None.
Formula	HCl
Physical properties	Form: Colourless to light yellow fuming liquid when concentrated; colourless liquid when diluted Stability: Stable, but reacts vigorously or violently with most metals, bases and many other chemicals. Melting point: -25 C (concentrated) Boiling point: 109 C (concentrated) Water solubility: Miscible in all proportions Specific gravity: 1.19 (concentrated), close to 1 (dilute)
Principal hazards	Contact with the eyes or skin can cause serious permanent damage Concentrated solutions of this acid are extremely corrosive; very dilute solutions are mildly corrosive. Toxic by inhalation - the concentrated solution releases dangerous quantities of hydrogen chloride vapour
Safe handling	Always wear safety glasses. Do not allow the acid or a solution of it to come into contact with your skin. Wear gloves if handling the concentrated acid. The concentrated acid must always be used in an area equipped with good ventilation, never in the open laboratory.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes and call for immediate medical help. Skin contact: Wash off with plenty of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. If swallowed: Drink plenty of water and call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	Small amounts of dilute hydrochloric acid can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of water, unless local rules prohibit this. Larger amounts should be neutralised before disposal. Concentrated acid should not be flushed down a sink.
Protective equipment	Always wear safety glasses when handling hydrochloric acid or its solutions. If you need gloves, use neoprene, butyl rubber, natural rubber, or nitrile. When handling the concentrated acid good ventilation is vital.
Further information	Hydrochloric acid Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data