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Hydrochloric acid, also known as food additive E507, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas. It is found in the human body as the main component of gastric juice, maintaining a pH of 1-2 in the stomach (the stomach has uniquely evolved to cope with high acidity).
HCl is an important and widely used chemical. The most common applications are in metal pickling, oil acidizing, food production, calcium chloride production and ore processing.
Production E507
Hydrochloric acid is produced most commonly by four main methods: chlorination of organic chemicals; combination of hydrogen and chlorine; the process of obtaining a salt of sulfuric acid; in the production of silicon dioxide as a by-product.
Most hydrochloric acid is obtained from the chlorination of organic chemicals. Completely dry (anhydrous) gaseous hydrochloric acid does not attack steel or aluminum, so it can be stored and transported in compressed steel cylinders.
Use in the food industry
The food industry uses E507 in the processing of various products. Its main use in the food industry is in the production of corn syrups, especially those with high fructose content. It is also often found in mayonnaise, is part of citric acid, gelatin, fructose.
Hydrochloric acid can also be used to acidify cornstarch and to adjust the pH of intermediates and final products.
The most common use is the production of soft drinks, which account for 70-75% of demand.
E507 is also used in other areas of the food industry, including the production of hydrolyzed vegetable protein and soy sauce. It is used to acidify crushed bones, to make gelatin, and as an acidifier for foods such as sauces, vegetable juices, and preserves.
Hydrochloric acid is often used in the production of:
- artificial sweeteners;
- lysine and choline chloride (both used primarily as additives in animal feed);
- citric acid;
- corn starch;
- soft drinks;
- soy sauce.
Industrial applications
Most of the hydrochloric acid consumed in industry is used to regenerate ion exchange resins, which are used to remove impurities. It is mainly used for continuous steel pickling operations, but also used in aluminum pickling and metal cleaning.
HCl is used to both remove rust, scale and unwanted carbonate deposits in oil wells to stimulate the flow of crude oil or gas into the well.
Neutralization of hydrochloric acid with limestone (CaCO3) causes the formation of calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is used for dust collection, industrial processing, oil extraction, concrete processing and tire ballasting.
Aqueous hydrochloric acid is used in many different applications. These include the recovery of semi-precious metals from used catalysts, use as a catalyst in synthesis, pH adjustment, regeneration of ion exchange resins used in wastewater treatment and power supply, neutralization of alkaline products or waste products, and brine acidification for use in the production of chlorine and caustic soda. .
Household use
HCl is one of the strongest cleaners currently available, it is extremely effective and recommended as a cleaner and can be used to clean any product that can withstand its effects.
HCl is used to neutralize the water, making it safe for bathers.
Most often, the pH level is high; The best way to lower the pH is to slowly pour hydrochloric acid directly into the deep end of the pool while the pool pump is on and the water is circulating.
Application in medicine
The pharmaceutical industry uses hydrochloric acid as a catalyst in synthesis, for pH control, for water deionization, and as a reducing agent (for example, in the production of ascorbic acid and para-aminobenzoic acid).
Can also be used for the elderly or people who suffer from acid deficiency in the digestive system
Food Supplement Safety
HCl in concentrated form is a highly corrosive agent and its effects are well known. Special care must be taken when handling this acid. At high concentrations, HCl releases an acid mist into the air. Protective clothing, gloves and goggles should be worn when handling this substance to avoid injury or irritation.
Hydrochloric acid fumes can cause coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, laryngeal spasm, airway ulcers, and even fluid in the lungs.
However, since it is used in the food industry as a food additive to adjust pH, hydrochloric acid is neutralized or buffered by the food to which it is added. Thus, a person consumes not the acid itself, but the chloride ion in the salts that are formed during the neutralization reaction.
Small amounts of hydrochloric acid that may be stored in foods or drinks will in turn be neutralized and buffered during ingestion and digestion, or after absorption. HCl is also a natural secretory product of the stomach of animals, including humans (about 0,5% concentration in gastric juice).
Its normal production in the stomach is several times the amount that can be obtained from food. Therefore, you should not worry about its safety when taken with food, in established safe quantities.