Hydrochloric Acid vs. Muriatic Acid — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 7, 2023
Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid are essentially the same substance, HCl, but Muriatic Acid is the historical and less pure form used mainly for industrial purposes.
Difference Between Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid are terms that often intertwine, leading to some confusion. At their core, both refer to the compound HCl, a strong acid that dissociates in water.
Historically, Muriatic Acid was the name designated to Hydrochloric Acid when it was produced through the process of vitriol and common salt. Today, while Hydrochloric Acid refers to the pure compound, Muriatic Acid signifies a less pure form.
Both Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid have found diverse applications in industries. However, Hydrochloric Acid is typically employed in laboratories and pharmaceuticals due to its purity, whereas Muriatic Acid is used more in masonry and cleaning, given its impurities.
The terminology difference between Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid essentially stems from historical nomenclature and the degree of purification. While both can be corrosive, the presence of contaminants in Muriatic Acid can influence its reactivity.
In essence, while Hydrochloric Acid is the chemically accurate term for HCl, Muriatic Acid serves as a colloquial term, typically referring to the commercial-grade or less pure version of the acid.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
HCl
HCl
Purity
Typically pure
Contains impurities
Historical Usage
Modern term
Historical term
Common Applications
Laboratories, pharmaceuticals
Masonry, cleaning
Origin of Name
Derived from hydrochloride ions
Derived from “muriat” (meaning brine)
Compare with Definitions
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid dissociates completely in water.
When Hydrochloric Acid is added to water, it releases H+ ions.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic Acid can be found in hardware stores for domestic use.
He bought Muriatic Acid to remove the calcium deposits from his tiles.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid is colorless and has a pungent smell.
The characteristic smell in the lab was due to a spill of Hydrochloric Acid.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic Acid is derived from the Latin word for brine.
The term Muriatic Acid reflects its historical production from salt.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid can corrode metals and tissues.
Workers handle Hydrochloric Acid with care to avoid skin burns.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic Acid is a less pure form of Hydrochloric Acid, often used industrially.
Muriatic Acid is a common choice for cleaning bricks.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid is a strong mineral acid with the formula HCl.
Hydrochloric Acid is used in labs to adjust pH levels.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic Acid has historical roots, being an older name for Hydrochloric Acid.
Alchemists once referred to HCl as Muriatic Acid.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid is a major component of gastric acid in the stomach.
Hydrochloric Acid aids in digestion by breaking down food in the stomach.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic Acid contains impurities and can vary in concentration.
Before using Muriatic Acid for pool cleaning, it's essential to check its concentration.
Common Curiosities
Why is Hydrochloric Acid used in labs?
Hydrochloric Acid is used for its reactivity and ability to adjust pH levels.
What is Hydrochloric Acid?
Hydrochloric Acid is a strong mineral acid with the formula HCl.
Which acid is found in the stomach?
Hydrochloric Acid is a major component of gastric acid.
Why is Muriatic Acid less pure?
Muriatic Acid contains impurities from its production and is meant for commercial use.
Which acid, Hydrochloric or Muriatic, is purer?
Hydrochloric Acid is typically purer than Muriatic Acid.
Is Muriatic Acid safe for household use?
Muriatic Acid can be used for household tasks, but it's corrosive and should be handled with caution.
What are the typical uses for Muriatic Acid?
Muriatic Acid is commonly used for cleaning bricks, masonry, and pools.
Can Muriatic Acid be used in labs?
While possible, Hydrochloric Acid, due to its purity, is the preferred choice for lab applications.
Is Muriatic Acid the same as Hydrochloric Acid?
Yes, but Muriatic Acid typically refers to a less pure, commercial-grade version.
Do both Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid have the same chemical formula?
Yes, both have the formula HCl.
Can both acids corrode metals?
Yes, both Hydrochloric Acid and Muriatic Acid can corrode metals.
Which acid is more commonly found in hardware stores?
Muriatic Acid is more commonly available for domestic use.
Is Hydrochloric Acid safe to ingest?
No, while it's a component of stomach acid, concentrated Hydrochloric Acid is corrosive and should not be ingested.
Is Muriatic Acid a historical term?
Yes, it's an older name for Hydrochloric Acid.
Where does the name Muriatic come from?
It's derived from the Latin word for brine, reflecting its historical production from salt.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
