hydrogen chloride

noun

1. a colorless gas, HCl, having a pungent odor: the anhydride of hydrochloric acid.

hydrogen chloride

noun

1. a colourless pungent corrosive gas obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on sodium chloride: used in making vinyl chloride and other organic chemicals. Formula: HCl
2. an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride; hydrochloric acid

hydrogen chloride

1. A colorless, corrosive, suffocating gas used in making plastics and in many industrial processes. When mixed with water, it forms hydrochloric acid. Chemical formula: HCl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen chloride¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

In the case of large, multiple-battery fires, they can burn for days, all the while releasing toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

From Los Angeles Times

In March, an “emission event” at OxyVinyls over five hours on a Wednesday evening released nearly 15,000 pounds of hydrogen chloride, a gas that can irritate the eyes and throat, among more serious ailments.

From New York Times

Vinyl chloride is also dangerous when burned, as it produces toxic gasses like phosgene gas and hydrogen chloride.

From Salon

Officials warned when they burned it that two concerning gases — hydrogen chloride and phosgene, which was used as a weapon in World War I — might be released in the process.

From Seattle Times

Five of the derailed tank cars in East Palestine were carrying vinyl chloride, which is used to make plastic and can release hydrogen chloride and other toxic chemicals when burned.

From New York Times