Hydrochloric Acid 36% (General Use)

Why Buy Hydrochloric Acid (General Use) Online from ReAgent Chemicals?

ReAgent supply hydrochloric acid for general use in 2.5L and 25L containers, as well as 1,000L IBC. Discounts are available for bulk orders above 4 items. We also offer further options, such as bespoke blending and specific pack sizes. Simply contact us for more details or free technical advice.

History of Hydrochloric Acid

The first references to hydrochloric acid come from the 13^th century, in works describing the use of aqua regia as a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid. This solution was prepared by mixing sal ammoniac in nitric acid.A pure solution of hydrochloric acid, however, wasn’t available until the 15^th or 16^th century, but historians cannot agree who first discovered it. Some say it was Libavus, by heating salt; while others believe it was Benedictine monk Basil Valentine, by mixing salt and vitriol.During the following centuries, many chemists started to use this acid in their work, including English chemists Joseph Priestly, who prepared pure hydrogen chloride in 1772, as well as Humphry Davy, who finally proved its chemical composition in 1808. 

Large-Scale Production of Hydrochloric Acid

During the Industrial revolution, the production of HCl reached large-scale proportions. This was derived from a process to produce sodium carbonate (NaCO3, soda ash) which involved common salt mixed with sulphuric acid, limestone and coal.This reaction released hydrogen chloride gases as a by-product, which was simply dumped into the atmosphere.However, environmental concerns led to new legislation written in 1863, forcing all manufacturing plants to absorb this by-product in water, producing unprecedented amounts of hydrochloric acid.This process was eventually replaced by a hydrochloric acid-free method, but in the meantime, this compound had become a vital chemical in many different industries and continued being produced in large amounts.

Regular Customer?

Are you a regular customer? If so, would you like to open a credit account with us to make your future orders easier? You can contact our sales team and they will assist you in getting this set-up. You can do this by sending us an enquiry online or calling on 0800 990 3258. Please note we can only supply registered UK business.