Out of HCl (yes it happens), any substitutes?

Discussion in 'Top Tips' started by JHRoss, Sep 11, 2019.

  1. Dear all,

    unfortunately due to a mistake we are running out of concentrated HCl solutions, which acid would be the best substitute? We have some good quantities of concentrated sulfuric acid, could this be a substitute until the HCl arrives?

  2. The answer to your question is dependent on what you want to use the acid for. What will you be doing with it?:)
  3. Give your nearest school a ring and see if they will let you have some?
  4. Dod


    Isn't concentrated solution an oxymoron ?
  5. Nope :)
    Solution is defined as a liquid mixture where the minor component (solute) is uniformly distributed in the major component (solvent)
    Concentrated is one component is present in a high proportion relative to the other substances

    So compared to all the other HCl solutions available "conc HCl" is more concentrated as that's basically saturated
  6. Dod


    I stand corrected :(
  7. In these current times a request for this would probably be declined.:(
  8. if you have some salt, make it, it's called spirits of salt for a reason.


    or pop to the local plumbers, they will have 500 ml bottles on the shelf.
  9. karen b

    karen b COMMITTEE

    I think it depends on the relationship you have with the local schools. If you had a chemical on order but needed some before the delivery was due then some technicians would let you have it, knowing it would be replaced within a week.
  10. Also to add to CovTech's post, conc HCl is normaly about a 36% solution which is roughly 11 moles
  11. paul r

    paul r COMMITTEE

    You can usually get this delivered overnight if you pay the extra delivery charge
  12. Well mostly for reacting with metals or alkalis, indicators etc