Hydrochloric Acid History
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Hydrochloric Acid history is interesting and varied. Whilst the origins of Hydrochloric Acid history can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages when it was used by alchemists who were trying to find the philosopher's stone, it was not until the Industrial Revolution that large scale production of Hydrochloric Acid began.
Hydrochloric Acid is also commonly known as Muriatic Acid and its chemical formula is HCl. Highly concentrated Hydrochloric Acid is known as Fuming Hydrochloric Acid, Fuming Muriatic Acid or Fuming HCl. When the word 'fuming' appears in the name, this means that the concentration is approximateley 36% to 40%. We can see Hydrochloric Acid history reflected in the word 'Muriatic' which translates as 'pertaining to salt or brine'. This reflects the origins of production, as it was first produced by mixing Vitriol (Sulphuric Acid) with Salt. Old variants of the Hydrochloric Acid name include Spirit of Salts, Acidum Salis, Salt Acid and Marine Acid Air.
Hydrochloric Acid is now widely used in the chemical industry, in the steel-making industry and also in the production of Vinyl Chloride for PVC. Hydrochloric Acid is important in the food industry where it is used in the canning process of foodstuffs and in the production of corn syrups and soft drinks. Hydrochloric Acid is also widely used in the building industry where its applications include brick-cleaning and concrete 'etching'. Hydrochloric Acid is also found in many household cleaning products.
Hydrochloric Acid is classified as highly 'Corrosive' and is one of the most widely used mineral acids. Strict legislation governs the packaging, labelling and transport of Hydrochloric Acid. Further information on Hydrochloric Acid Hazards, Packaging, Labelling and Transporting Hydrochloric Acid can be found on the relevant pages of this website.
An interesting fact is that a form of Hydrochloric Acid occurs naturally in the gut in the form of Gastric Acid. The acid found here would be strong enough to slowly corrode metal! However, it does not damage the stomach as it is protected by a thick mucous layer.
The function of this Gastric Acid in the gastric juices is to help to break down food before it is processed and eliminated. This naturally occuring Gastric Acid also helps to protect the stomach against infection.
The stomach also receives additional protection from Gastric Acid damage by the presence of sodium bicarbonate which occurs naturally to act as a buffer against the acid. When people suffer from heartburn or ulcers, this is often due to the fact that the sodium bicarbonate buffer in the stomach has failed to work. In these cases, antacids are prescribed to mimic the natural sodium bicarbonate and help reduce gastric discomfort.
As you can see, Hydrochloric Acid history is indeed interesting and varied.
http://www.hydrochloric-acid.co.uk/hydrochloric-acid-history | Saved Friday, February 5th, 2010 - 4:17 AM