Hydrogen chloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Anhydrous hydrogen chloride, Aqueous hydrogen chloride, Hydrochloric acid [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution.]Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 5 ppm (7 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
C 5 ppm (7 mg/m3)Physical Description
Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]Molecular Weight
36.5Boiling Point
-121°FFreezing Point
-174°FSolubility
(86°F): 67%Vapor Pressure
40.5 atmIonization Potential
12.74 eVFlash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NARelative Gas Density
1.27Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Hydroxides, amines, alkalis, copper, brass, zinc [Note: Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive to most metals.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion (solution), skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation nose, throat, larynx; cough, choking; dermatitis; solution: eye, skin burns; liquid: frostbite; In Animals: laryngeal spasm; pulmonary edemaTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (solution)/Frostbite
Eyes:Prevent eye contact/Frostbite
Wash skin:When contaminated (solution)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (solution)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash (solution), Quick drench (solution), Frostbite wash
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately (solution)/Frostbite
Skin:Water flush immediately (solution)/Frostbite
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately (solution)
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern*
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted acid gas canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division