Product Overview
Hydrochloric Acid 31% Technical Grade is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas dissolved in water. Identified by CAS number 7647-01-0, this strong mineral acid has a molecular formula of ClH and a molecular weight of 36.46 g/mol. As an essential chemical reagent distributed by Alliance Chemical, this technical-grade solution is widely utilized across heavy manufacturing, metallurgical, and chemical synthesis sectors. It appears as a colorless, watery liquid with a highly pungent and irritating odor, typical of concentrated hydrogen chloride solutions. This concentration is a key standard for industrial processes that demand both chemical potency and predictable reactivity, making it a staple raw material for diverse facility operations throughout the United States.
At a 31% concentration, this hydrochloric acid solution exhibits a physical density of approximately 1.05 at 59 °F for a 10.17% weight/weight equivalent, ensuring it is denser than water and will sink upon mixing. The boiling point sits at 123 °F at 760 mmHg, and it remains non-flammable with an autoignition temperature listed as not applicable. Because it releases highly irritating vapors, precise control and ventilation are mandatory during any transfer or application process. Alliance Chemical provides this high-quality technical acid to support manufacturing runs, pH control, and surface preparation needs. We ensure that our industrial clients receive a reliable, consistent product backed by comprehensive quality control protocols to prevent process interruptions in their operations.
Why This Grade
Selecting the correct grade of hydrochloric acid is critical for ensuring process efficiency and avoiding unnecessary operational costs. Technical Grade is specifically formulated for industrial applications where the high-purity limits of ACS or reagent grades are not chemically required. While reagent-grade acids are certified for trace metal analysis in laboratory environments, Technical Grade 31% provides the robust, concentrated acidity required for large-scale operations like pickling steel, oil well acidizing, and chemical manufacturing. Using a higher, more expensive grade in these applications introduces unnecessary costs without improving the outcome, while utilizing an uncertified, lower-grade acid can introduce unpredictable contaminants that interfere with standard chemical reactions.
The 31% concentration balance is engineered to provide maximum chemical efficiency while minimizing the extreme fuming associated with higher 37% concentrations. Utilizing a weaker concentration often results in incomplete chemical conversions, extended reaction times, and excessive fluid volumes that overwhelm process systems. Conversely, substituting a higher concentration without proper equipment modifications leads to excessive volatile vapor release, accelerated equipment corrosion, and increased personnel exposure risks. By standardizing on 31% Technical Grade, operators achieve the optimal kinetic performance for large-scale pH adjustments, waste treatment, and scale removal. Alliance Chemical helps procurement managers maintain this exact balance, ensuring that your facility avoids the common failure modes of improper dilution and unexpected chemical performance.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 7647-01-0
- Chemical Formula
- ClH
- Molecular Weight
- 36.46 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- 123 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
- Melting Point
- -174.6 °F (Melting point is -13.7 °F for a 39.17% weight/weight solution.) (EPA, 1998)
- Flash Point
- Not applicable °C
- Specific Gravity
- 1.05 at 59 °F for 10.17% weight/weight solution (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
- Appearance
- Hydrochloric acid, solution is a colorless watery liquid with a sharp, irritating odor. Consists of hydrogen chloride, a gas, dissolved in water. Sinks and mixes with water. Produces irritating vapor. (USCG, 1999)
- Solubility
- 82.3 g/100 g at 32 °F (NTP, 1992)
- UN Number
- UN1789
- Hazard Class
- Class 8
- Packing Group
- II
- Proper Shipping Name
- Hydrochloric acid
- GHS Signal Word
- DANGER
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- Steel Pickling and Metal Finishing — Employed to remove rust, scale, and iron oxide impurities from carbon steel coils before subsequent processing.
- Oil Well Acidizing — Injected into geological formations to dissolve carbonate rocks, thereby increasing permeability and enhancing oil and gas flow rates.
- pH Adjustment and Water Treatment — Used to neutralize alkaline wastewater streams and control pH levels in municipal and industrial cooling water systems.
- Chemical Synthesis and Manufacturing — Serves as a vital reactant in the production of organic compounds like vinyl chloride and inorganic salts like calcium chloride.
- Ion Exchange Resin Regeneration — Utilized to regenerate cationic exchange resins used in industrial demineralization and water softening facilities across various sectors.
Hazmat & Shipping
Hydrochloric Acid 31% Technical Grade is classified as a hazardous material under DOT regulations due to its highly corrosive nature. It must be shipped and transported under the strict designation of UN1789, Hazard Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group II. The proper shipping name is verbatim Hydrochloric acid. Because of its potential to cause severe skin burns and eye damage, all shipments must adhere to federal regulations concerning hazardous chemical transport. The authoritative signal word for this chemical is DANGER, which reflects the critical safety precautions required during transit, unloading, and staging at any industrial facility.
Handling this product requires rigorous personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to mitigate the risks associated with the GHS classifications H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage) and H331 (Toxic if inhaled). Personnel must wear chemical-resistant gloves, a full-face shield, acid-resistant clothing, and appropriate respiratory protection in areas with high vapor concentrations. We provide the comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with every single order to ensure your team is fully aware of handling guidelines, exposure limits, and emergency response procedures. Compliance with these protocols is necessary to maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliant storage of this highly reactive acid.
Handling & Storage
Proper storage of this corrosive liquid requires dedicated, acid-resistant containers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fluoropolymers, or rubber-lined steel. Hydrochloric acid must never be stored in unlined metal tanks, as it readily attacks iron, aluminum, and copper, releasing highly flammable hydrogen gas. Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and metals. Storage temperatures should be maintained above its freezing point but below excessive heat levels to prevent volatile vapor accumulation. Review the provided Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific structural engineering controls required for your facility's bulk containment systems.
Order & Documentation
Alliance Chemical simplifies the procurement of industrial acids for manufacturing operations nationwide. We stock Hydrochloric Acid 31% Technical Grade in multiple packaging configurations to accommodate both small-scale testing and large-volume manufacturing runs. Whether you need single containers or bulk pallets, we ensure prompt fulfillment and full document compliance. To facilitate seamless integration into your quality assurance workflow, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every lot we ship. To secure your supply, you can browse our full range of industrial acids or locate our Hydrochloric Acid 31% Technical Grade online. For personalized assistance with bulk orders, please Request a Quote or Download the SDS for more information.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has served as a trusted Texas chemical supplier with CAGE Code 1LT50, providing high-quality products with a COA included with every order that ships same-day before 2PM CT, for industrial use only.