- What it is. This hydrochloric acid solution is a 10.0 N (10 M) standardized-strength acid, supplied in a 1 L size. It is a strong, fuming, corrosive acid close to concentrated strength, prepared to a defined normality for methods that call for 10 N HCl.
- Molar equals normal. Hydrochloric acid releases one hydrogen ion per molecule, so its normality equals its molarity. A 10.0 N solution contains 10 moles of HCl per liter, about 364.6 g of hydrogen chloride (calculated), and each milliliter neutralizes 10 millimoles of base.
- A strong acid in solution. HCl dissociates completely in water, so the hydrogen ion concentration matches the stated concentration. That complete dissociation gives sharp, predictable endpoints in acid-base titrations against strong and weak bases.
- Close to concentrated strength. Concentrated 37% hydrochloric acid is roughly 12 M, so 10 N acid is only modestly diluted. It still releases hydrogen chloride fumes and causes severe burns, and it must be handled like concentrated acid.
- Handling at a glance. Open 10 N hydrochloric acid only in a fume hood, wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and acid-resistant gloves, and keep an acid spill kit and eyewash station within reach. Store it in a ventilated corrosives cabinet away from bases and metals.
- Why a defined 10 N strength. Some digestion, extraction, and sample-dissolution methods specify 10 N HCl to keep acid strength consistent from run to run. A prepared 10 N solution avoids diluting concentrated acid in-house, which releases heat and fumes and introduces variation.
- Diluting to working strengths. Starting from 10 N, a 1+9 dilution gives 1 N and a 1+99 dilution gives 0.1 N (calculated). Always add acid to water slowly in a fume hood and allow the solution to cool before bringing to volume.
- Standardization and accuracy. For the most accurate work, verify the concentration against a primary standard base such as sodium carbonate or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), and keep the container closed to prevent evaporation and contamination.
- Where it is used. Laboratories use 10 N HCl for sample digestion and dissolution, metal and mineral extractions, preparing standard dilutions, cleaning and etching applications that specify defined acid strength, and methods that call for 10 N acid by name.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | Hydrochloric acid, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers | 7647-01-0 (hydrogen chloride); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (HCl) | 231-595-7 |
| Synonyms | Hydrogen chloride solution, muriatic acid |
| Formula (active) | HCl |
| Molecular Weight (active) | 36.46 g/mol |
| Concentration | 10.0 N (10 M) |
| HCl Content | About 364.6 g/L (calculated) |
| Neutralizing Capacity | 1.00 mL = 10.0 mmol base (calculated) |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly yellow, fuming liquid |
| Physical State | Liquid, aqueous solution |
| Hazard Statements (typical, concentrated HCl) | H290, H314, H335 |
| DOT (typical) | UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, Class 8, PG II |
| Storage | Corrosives cabinet, tightly closed, ventilated |
| Package Size | 1 L |
Applications / Common Uses
- Sample digestion: Dissolves minerals, metals, and residues.
- Extractions: Supports acid extraction of metals from solids.
- Standard dilutions: Prepares 1 N and 0.1 N HCl by dilution.
- Method-specified acid: Supplies 10 N HCl where methods name it.
- Etching and cleaning: Removes oxides and scale at defined strength.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: 10 N hydrochloric acid is close to concentrated strength. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage, releases irritating hydrogen chloride fumes, and corrodes metals. Handle only in a fume hood with chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and acid-resistant gloves.
Store tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated corrosives cabinet, away from bases, oxidizers, metals, and cyanide or sulfide salts, which release toxic gases with acid. When diluting, always add acid slowly to water, never water to acid.
- Incompatible materials: Bases, oxidizers (including bleach and permanganate), reactive metals, cyanides, and sulfides.
- Exposure limit (hydrogen chloride): OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 5 ppm ceiling.
- Spill response: Ventilate, contain, and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or an acid spill kit before cleanup.
- First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Inhalation: move to fresh air.
Related Categories & Services
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