47A

Hydrochloric acid and other hydrohalic acids

Hydrochloric acid
Corrosive

Hydrobromic acid
Corrosive

Hydroiodic acid
Corrosive

These substances
are dangerous
with:

C
C

HCl (aq)
R34: Causes burns. R37: Irritating to respiratory system.
-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 6.5 mol dm should be labelled CORROSIVE.
-3
-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 2 mol dm but weaker than 6.5 mol dm should be
labelled IRRITANT.
-3
WEL (mg m ): 2 (LTEL), 8 (STEL).
HBr(aq)
R34: Causes burns. R37: Irritating to respiratory system.
-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 4.5 mol dm should be labelled CORROSIVE.
-3
-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 1.2 mol dm but weaker than 4.5 mol dm should
be labelled IRRITANT.
-3
WEL (mg m ): 10 (STEL).
Purchase the 48% (w/w) acid.
HI(aq)

R34: Causes burns.

-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 0.7 mol dm should be labelled CORROSIVE.
-3
-3
Solutions equal to or stronger than 0.3 mol dm but weaker than 0.7 mol dm should
be labelled IRRITANT. Purchase the 55% (w/w) acid.

ALUMINIUM, MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM, SODIUM and many other reactive metals. A vigorous or
violent reaction occurs.
PHOSPHORIC(V) ACID. Hydrogen halide gas is released.
POTASSIUM MANGANATE(VII). Explosions can occur.
SULFURIC ACID. Hydrogen halide gas is released.

Store: CLa
Store large containers at a low level, preferably in a tray to contain spills. Once bottles are
opened, gases can leak into the store; this accelerates the corrosion of metals. The gases can
also diffuse through plastic so that labels on the containers fade and disintegrate. The gases
react with ammonia and amines to deposit a white powder over bottles.
For emergencies, see Hazcard E as well as more detailed information which may be on this Hazcard.

Disposal: W1, W4
W4:
Use a fume
cupboard.
CLEAPSS 2007

47A

Hydrochloric acid and other hydrohalic acids

Activity

User

Control measures

Use of dilute
acids

Y7

Wear eye protection.

Use of concentrated acids

Y9

Preparation of
chlorine
Preparation of
solutions

Y12

Wear goggles.
Use a fume cupboard.
Wear disposable nitrile gloves.
Wear goggles.
Use a fume cupboard.
Wear goggles.
Use a fume cupboard.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves.

Large-scalepreparation of
chlorine

TT

Wear goggles or a face shield.

Use a fume cupboard.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves.

Aqua Regia for

use in analysis
of alloys

TT

Wear goggles or a face shield.

Use a fume cupboard.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves.

Y12

Model risk assessments

Experimental points
-3

This refers to solutions equal to or less than 2 mol dm . Use the mostdilute solution which produces the desired result. Guidance can be
found in L195, Safer Chemicals, Safer Reactions.
-3
Acids, more concentrated than 2 mol dm , may be used with careful
supervision. Security is important; bottles of concentrated acids have
been stolen.
-3
See Hazcard 89 for a safe, controllable method using 5 mol dm
hydrochloric acid. See Handbook 13.3.
See Recipe Card 31 for hydrochloric acid.
-3
3
A 1 mol dm solution is prepared by diluting 113 cm of 48% hydrobromic acid to 1 litre with water.
-3
3
A 1 mol dm solution is prepared by diluting 137 cm of 55% hydroiodic
acid to 1 litre with water.
The reaction between concentrated hydrochloric acid and potassium
manganate(VII) has caused several accidents by the inadvertent use of
the wrong acid. If this method is used, double check that the correct
acid is available and cover the potassium manganate(VII) with water
first. An explosion has occurred when potassium manganate(VII) and
concentrated hydrochloric acid were mixed but it seems neither
sulfuric(VI) acid nor a tube blockage could have been responsible. It
could possibly have been caused by the production of chlorine oxides;
see J C Curry, SSR, 1965, 46 (160), 770.
See Handbook 13.3 for details of equipment.
3
This very corrosive mixture is made by adding 5 cm fresh concen3
trated nitric(V) acid to 15 cm concentrated hydrochloric acid in a clean
container. If the acids are warm, cool them before mixing. Do not
attempt to stopper and store; any darkening beyond a yellow colour
indicates appreciable decomposition.
Disposal: W4: Immediately after use, in a fume cupboard and proceed
very slowly.

For emergencies, see Hazcard E as well as more detailed information which may be on this Hazcard.

CLEAPSS 2007