Physical Properties of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a significant chemical compound due to its physical properties and reactivity. This section focuses on its physical characteristics, primarily that it is a colorless and pungent-smelling gas. One of the most notable features of HCl is its high solubility in water, where it forms hydrochloric acid. This solubility makes HCl an important compound in various chemical processes, including its ability to turn moist blue litmus paper red, indicating its acidic nature. Furthermore, HCl's interaction with different substances results in chemical reactions that produce salts, which broadens its significance in both laboratory and industrial applications.