Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salt, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl). It is a colorless solution with a distinctive pungent smell. It is classified as a strong acid. It is a component of the gastric acid in the digestive systems of most animal species, including humans.
Hydrochloric acid is used in industry in the synthesis of plastics and as a reagent in other chemical reactions. It is also used to clean steel prior to it being processed. Solutions of hydrochloric acid are sold to consumers for use as concrete or masonry cleaners, metal cleaners, or toilet bowl cleaners.
