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What it is. This hydrochloric acid solution is a 50% (v/v) dilution, one volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid mixed with one volume of water, supplied in a 3.8 L size. Many methods call for it as hydrochloric acid (1+1).
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What 50% v/v means. Because concentrated 37% hydrochloric acid is roughly 12 M, a 1+1 dilution by volume is roughly 6 M (calculated). It is still a strong, corrosive acid, but it fumes much less than concentrated acid.
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Why buy it pre-diluted. Diluting concentrated hydrochloric acid releases heat and hydrogen chloride fumes, and small measuring errors change the final strength. A ready-made 1+1 solution removes that step, reduces exposure, and gives the same strength every time a method references it.
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Reading method notation. Standard methods often specify acid strength as a volume ratio, such as 1+1, 1+4, or 1+9, meaning parts of concentrated reagent plus parts of water. Using a ready-made 1+1 solution keeps the reagent exactly as written in the method.
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A strong acid at working strength. Hydrochloric acid dissociates completely in water, so a 1+1 solution reliably dissolves carbonates, metal oxides, and many metals, and it acidifies digests and extracts to a consistent level.
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Chemistry in brief. Hydrochloric acid dissolves carbonates, releasing carbon dioxide; reacts with many metals to release hydrogen; and forms soluble chloride salts. At 1+1 strength, these reactions proceed quickly, which is why the solution works well for digestion and descaling.
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Handling at a glance. Work in a fume hood, wear chemical splash goggles and acid-resistant gloves, and store the solution in a ventilated corrosives cabinet away from bases, oxidizers, and metals. Always add acid to water when making further dilutions.
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Related products. If a method specifies exactly 6 N acid, use Lab Pro's standardized Hydrochloric Acid 6.0 N (1 Quart, 1 Gallon) instead of the approximate 1+1 strength. For concentrated acid, see Hydrochloric Acid 37%, ACS Grade.
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Size for regular use. The 3.8 L size suits laboratories that prepare digests, acidify samples, or clean equipment regularly, providing one consistent lot over an extended period.
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Where it is used. Laboratories use 50% (v/v) hydrochloric acid for sample digestion and dissolution, acidifying water and wastewater samples, cleaning glassware and equipment, removing carbonate and oxide deposits, and methods that specify hydrochloric acid (1+1).
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, spirits of salt |
| Formula (active) |
HCl |
| Molecular Weight (active) |
36.46 g/mol |
| Concentration |
50% (v/v), equivalent to 1+1 |
| Approximate Molarity |
About 6 M (calculated from a 12 M concentrate) |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Physical State |
Liquid, aqueous solution |
| Hazard Statements (comparable products) |
H314 (severe burns), H335 (respiratory irritation) |
| DOT (comparable products) |
UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, Class 8, PG II |
| Storage |
Corrosives cabinet, tightly closed |
| Package Size |
3.8 L |
Applications / Common Uses
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Sample digestion: Dissolves solids and residues for analysis.
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Sample acidification: Acidifies water and wastewater samples.
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Method reagent: Supplies hydrochloric acid (1+1) as written in methods.
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Glassware cleaning: Removes carbonate and metal deposits.
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Equipment descaling: Dissolves scale in baths and lines.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: 50% (v/v) hydrochloric acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage and may irritate the respiratory tract. Handle in a fume hood with chemical splash goggles 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.
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Incompatible materials: Bases, oxidizers (including bleach and permanganate), reactive metals, cyanides, and sulfides.
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Exposure limit (hydrogen chloride): OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL: 5 ppm ceiling.
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Spill response: Ventilate, contain, and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or an acid spill kit before cleanup.
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First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Inhalation: move to fresh air.
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