Hydrochloric Acid Muriatic Acid · HCl · CAS 7647-01-0
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier of Hydrochloric Acid across standard commercial concentrations, used for metal pickling, pH control and neutralisation, oil-well acidizing, ion-exchange resin regeneration and a wide range of chemical manufacturing processes. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA and the current SDS.
Also known as: Muriatic acid, hydrogen chloride solution, aqueous HCl
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Hydrochloric Acid at your required concentration, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (assay, free chlorine, iron content)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Dangerous-goods transport documents, confirmed to your SDS
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Hydrochloric Acid?
Hydrochloric Acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) in water, formula HCl, sold commercially at a range of concentrations rather than as a single fixed grade. At typical commercial strengths (around 30–35% w/w) it is a colourless to pale yellow, fuming, pungent-smelling corrosive liquid, commonly called muriatic acid in its more dilute industrial and construction forms.
It is one of the highest-volume mineral acids in the chemical industry, valued for being a strong acid that is relatively inexpensive, widely compatible with existing equipment, and available in a range of concentrations suited to different processes — from heavy industrial pickling lines to dilute pH-adjustment duties.
Commercially it is produced either by direct synthesis from hydrogen and chlorine, or recovered as a co-product of organic chlorination processes (including some of the aromatic chlorination chemistry behind our other chlorinated-solvent products), then absorbed into water to the required concentration.
Handling follows standard precautions for a strong corrosive acid — acid-resistant gloves, face and eye protection, adequate ventilation (it is a fuming liquid), and storage in acid-rated containers away from incompatible materials, particularly strong bases and active metals.
Why Hydrochloric Acid specifically
- A strong, low-cost mineral acid. Fully ionising in water, it delivers a high concentration of available acidity for its cost compared with most alternatives.
- Grade flexibility. Supplied across a range of concentrations (commonly 30–35% w/w technical/industrial grade), so the same basic chemical serves both heavy-duty metal pickling and gentler pH-control duties.
- Chlorine-free of sulphate or nitrate residues. Unlike sulphuric or nitric acid, it leaves no sulphate or nitrate behind in the treated stream, which matters in several metal-finishing and water-treatment applications.
- Byproduct-linked supply. A meaningful share of commercial HCl is recovered from organic chlorination processes, so supply is tied to the broader chlor-chemical value chain we already operate in.
How Hydrochloric Acid is Manufactured
Commercial hydrochloric acid reaches the market by two main routes, and the two are commonly blended in a single supply chain.
- Direct synthesis. Hydrogen and chlorine gas are reacted directly to form hydrogen chloride gas, which is then absorbed in water.
- Byproduct recovery. Hydrogen chloride gas generated as a co-product of organic chlorination reactions (such as chlorinated-solvent and PVC-chain production) is captured and absorbed into water rather than vented or flared.
- Absorption and dilution to grade. The gas is absorbed into water to the target concentration — a higher-chlorine absorption gives a stronger, more aggressive acid; a lower absorption gives a milder, more dilute grade.
- Quality release and packing. Assay, iron content and colour are confirmed against specification before the batch is packed and released.
Grades & Typical Commercial Specification
Hydrochloric Acid is ordered by concentration grade rather than a single fixed spec. The table below shows the commonly available industrial/technical grades; tell us your process and we will recommend the grade to order against.
| Grade | Typical concentration | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Dilute / construction grade | ~15–20% w/w | Surface cleaning, descaling, pH adjustment |
| Standard technical grade | 30–33% w/w | Pickling, general industrial and chemical processing |
| Higher-strength industrial grade | 34–35% w/w | Oil-well acidizing, higher-demand chemical processing |
| ACS / reagent grade | 36–38% w/w | Laboratory and analytical use |
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow fuming liquid |
| HCl content | To grade ordered (commonly 30–35% w/w) |
| Free chlorine | To grade, trace levels |
| Iron (Fe) content | To grade, ppm-level for standard industrial grade |
| Residue on ignition / sulphate ash | To grade |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value (30–35% w/w range) |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | HCl (aqueous solution) |
| Molecular weight (HCl) | 36.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow fuming liquid, pungent odour |
| Density | About 1.15 – 1.19 g/cm³, rising with concentration |
| pH | Less than 1 |
| Boiling point | Varies with concentration — roughly 50–85 °C across this range (the dilute 20.2% azeotrope boils around 110 °C) |
| Freezing point | Varies with concentration, typically well below 0 °C |
| Water solubility | Completely miscible — releases heat on dilution |
| Incompatibilities | Strong bases, most metals (generates flammable hydrogen gas), cyanides and sulphides (releases toxic gas) |
Behaviour in the process
- Strong, fully-ionising acid. Dissociates completely in water, giving a high concentration of available H⁺ for fast reaction and neutralisation.
- Reacts with most base metals. Dissolves iron, zinc and aluminium with release of hydrogen gas — the basis of its pickling and metal-cleaning use, but also a handling hazard around ignition sources.
- Corrosive to common materials. Attacks carbon steel and many metals; storage and handling equipment is typically rubber-lined, PVC, PTFE or suitable corrosion-resistant alloy.
- Fuming at higher concentrations. Releases HCl gas/mist above roughly 30% concentration, requiring ventilation and vapour control in storage and handling areas.
Hydrochloric Acid and Related Industrial Acids
Choosing between the mineral acids comes down to the chemistry the target process actually needs — chloride-based versus sulphate-based versus oxidising acid behaviour.
| Acid | Character | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrochloric Acid | Strong, non-oxidising, chloride-based | Pickling, descaling, pH control, acidizing — where sulphate/nitrate residues are undesirable |
| Spent Sulphuric Acid | Strong, sulphate-based, recovered/by-product grade | Lower-cost acidity for neutralisation, fertiliser feedstock and acid-regeneration routes where variable composition is acceptable |
| Nitric Acid | Strong, oxidising | Metal passivation, nitration chemistry and processes needing an oxidising acid |
| Virgin Sulphuric Acid | Strong, non-oxidising when dilute, highly exothermic in concentrated form | Fertiliser manufacture, battery acid, large-scale industrial processing |
Stated plainly: if your process needs a strong acid without introducing sulphate or nitrate ions, hydrochloric acid is usually the right choice — if cost matters more than consistency and some variability in trace composition is acceptable, our Spent Sulphuric Acid is worth comparing on price.
Industries We Supply Hydrochloric Acid To
Where Hydrochloric Acid is Used
Matching concentration to the job
Most process problems with hydrochloric acid come down to ordering the wrong concentration for the job rather than a quality defect — a dilute grade will under-perform on a heavy pickling line, while an unnecessarily strong grade adds cost and handling risk on a light-duty pH-control application. Tell us the process and we will recommend the grade.
Need a specific concentration or volume?
Tell us your process, the concentration grade you need, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time and a sample COA.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with concentration (assay) as the primary grade measure, alongside iron content and free-chlorine levels that matter to sensitive downstream processes.
- HCl content (assay) — by titration, the primary grade and strength measure.
- Iron (Fe) content — important for food-grade, pharmaceutical and sensitive metal-finishing applications where iron staining or contamination is a concern.
- Free chlorine — reported because residual chlorine can affect downstream chemistry and product colour.
- Colour / appearance — a fast visual check for oxidation or iron contamination.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or slow pickling performance | Concentration lower than expected, or wrong grade ordered | Assay figure on the COA against the grade specified |
| Iron staining on treated metal or textile | Elevated iron content in the acid | Iron (Fe) content on the COA |
| Excess fuming/odour in storage | Higher-than-expected concentration or poor container sealing | Assay figure and storage container integrity |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. HDPE carboys and drums (typically 25–250 kg net), IBCs, and ISO tank/flexitank bulk shipments on contract volumes.
- Material compatibility. Store and handle in acid-rated containers — HDPE, PVC, PTFE-lined or suitable corrosion-resistant alloy. Avoid contact with most metals, which releases flammable hydrogen gas.
- Ventilation. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area; the material fumes, particularly at higher concentrations.
- Segregation. Keep away from strong bases, cyanides, sulphides and oxidisers.
- Transport classification. UN 1789, Class 8 (corrosive) — confirm the packing group (II or III) for your specific concentration against your current SDS before finalising shipping documents.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Hydrochloric Acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, and may be corrosive to metals. Standard precautions for a strong mineral acid and good plant practice apply throughout handling.
- Skin and eye contact. Acid-resistant gloves, chemical goggles and a face shield are standard practice; flush thoroughly with water on contact and seek medical attention.
- Inhalation. Use adequate ventilation and, where exposure is likely, respiratory protection — the material fumes and vapour is irritating to the respiratory tract.
- PPE. Acid-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles or face shield, and acid-resistant apron/clothing.
- Metal contact. Reaction with many metals generates flammable hydrogen gas — keep away from ignition sources where metal contact is possible.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Hydrochloric Acid is one of the most widely registered and used industrial chemicals worldwide. Because obligations differ by territory, concentration and use, the notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Typically classified as Skin Corr. 1, Eye Dam. 1, STOT SE 3 (respiratory irritation), and Corrosive to Metals 1 at standard commercial concentrations (Signal word: Danger). The SDS carries the full hazard statements for your specific grade and concentration.
- REACH and chemical inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on major chemical inventories worldwide.
- Food-grade use. Where HCl is used as a food processing aid or acidulant, confirm that the specific lot meets the food-grade specification and local food-contact regulations for your market.
- Dangerous goods transport. UN 1789, Class 8; confirm the exact packing group for your concentration with your logistics/EHS team.
- HS code. Internationally classified under HS heading 2806.10; confirm the exact national tariff subheading with your customs broker.
We Supply Hydrochloric Acid Across All Seven Continents
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Hydrochloric Acid from India and from partner sources to customers across every inhabited continent, handling the export documentation and freight so the material arrives ready to use.
- Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
- Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged as routing allows.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA and SDS issued as a complete set.
- Flexible volumes. From drum quantities up to bulk tank shipments on a supply contract.
Buying Hydrochloric Acid from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For this product that means settling three things at enquiry: the concentration grade your process needs, the packing format, and the quantity you are buying.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA with assay and impurity profile, plus the current SDS.
- Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
- Quantities. Drum quantities through to bulk tank shipments on contract supply.
- Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
- Related acids. Spent Sulphuric Acid and other industrial acids alongside this product from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Concentration grade, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or sensitive applications, we share the analysis so your technical team can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm transport classification. We work with you and your logistics team to confirm the packing group for your concentration and lane.
- Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
- Ship and document. Packed, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
Hydrochloric Acid — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Hydrochloric Acid. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of Hydrochloric Acid?
The CAS number is 7647-01-0, and the EC number is 231-595-7. The formula is HCl in aqueous solution, with a molecular weight of 36.46 g/mol for hydrogen chloride itself.
What concentrations do you supply?
Standard commercial grades from around 15–20% (dilute/construction grade) up to 34–35% w/w (higher-strength industrial grade), with 30–33% w/w being the most commonly ordered technical grade. Tell us your process and we will recommend the grade.
What is Hydrochloric Acid used for?
Metal pickling and descaling, oil-well acidizing, pH control and neutralisation, ion-exchange resin regeneration, chemical and chloride manufacturing, and food-grade acidulant use at the appropriate grade.
Do you supply Hydrochloric Acid worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports Hydrochloric Acid across every inhabited continent — Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Australia & Oceania — as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA and SDS.
How is Hydrochloric Acid manufactured?
Either by direct synthesis of hydrogen and chlorine gas, or recovered as a co-product of organic chlorination processes, then absorbed into water to the target concentration.
Is Hydrochloric Acid hazardous?
Yes — it causes severe skin burns and eye damage and may cause respiratory irritation. Standard corrosive-acid PPE and handling practice apply. Refer to the current SDS for your grade for the complete hazard classification.
What is the UN number and transport classification?
UN 1789, Class 8 (corrosive). The packing group (II or III) depends on the concentration of the specific grade being shipped — confirm against your own current SDS before shipping.
What are the density and boiling point?
Density is around 1.15–1.19 g/cm³ across the 30–35% range, rising with concentration. Boiling point varies significantly with concentration — roughly 50–85 °C across common commercial grades. Confirm against your own supplier's COA for batch-specific figures.
How should Hydrochloric Acid be stored?
In acid-rated containers (HDPE, PVC, PTFE-lined or suitable corrosion-resistant alloy), in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from strong bases, cyanides, sulphides, oxidisers and most metals.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
HDPE carboys and drums (typically 25–250 kg net), IBCs, and ISO tank/flexitank bulk shipments on contract volumes. Orders run from drum quantities up to bulk tank loads.
Ready to source Hydrochloric Acid?
Send us your required concentration and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.