Page 236 - Chemistry ICSE Class X
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222 ICSE Chemistry – 10
Let us say it Again
Nature of HCl. Hydrogen chloride is a covalent compound.
Preparation of hydrogen chloride. Hydrogen chloride can be prepared by the following methods:
Reaction between hydrogen and chlorine in diffused sunlight.
Action of conc. sulphuric acid on a metal chloride.
Action of hot, conc. sulphuric acid on sodium chloride (or common salt).
Hydrogen chloride gas is collected by the upward displacement of air.
Hydrogen chloride is dried by passing over fused calcium chloride.
Solubility in water. Hydrogen chloride is highly soluble in water. The solution of HCl in water is called hydrochloric acid.
Acidic nature of hydrogen chloride. Hydrogen chloride in the presence of water acts as an acid. It gives all the reactions
given by acids.
With ammonium hydroxide. HCl gives dense white fumes with ammonium hydroxide.
With silver nitrate. HCl (both gas and solution) gives white curdy precipitate with silver nitrate solution.
