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hydrochloric acid
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hydrochloric acid Diagram showing the chemical reaction where two molecules of chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2) undergo elimination to form one molecule of tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4) and two molecules of hydrogen chloride (HCl), with molecular structures illustrated. Diagram showing the chemical reaction where methane (CH4) and chlorine (Cl2) combine to produce chloromethane (CH3Cl) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), with molecular structures and labels.
Quick Facts
Key People:
Georg Brandt
Johann Rudolf Glauber
Related Topics:
inorganic compound
hydrogen chloride
acid
aqua regia
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hydrochloric acid
hydrochloric acid Bottle of hydrochloric acid.

hydrochloric acid

chemical compound
Also known as: muriatic acid
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

hydrochloric acid, corrosive colourless acid that is prepared by dissolving gaseous hydrogen chloride in water.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.