Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
Characteristic: Hydrochloric acid is a colorless sharp synthetic liquid, characterized by a sharp specific odor, the substance smokes outdoors. The boiling point for the various concentrations is between
Hydrochloric acid is a colorless sharp synthetic liquid, characterized by a sharp specific odor, the substance smokes outdoors. The boiling point for the various concentrations is between 48 and 108 degrees. It is usually obtained by dissolving hydrogen chloride gas, which in turn is obtained by burning hydrogen in chlorine. Rarely, the additive is derived from secondary gases released in various processes (exhaust gases). Hydrochloric acid dissolves well in water.
In the food industry, the additive E 507 is mainly used in the form of 10% and 25% solutions. It is used in the production of some syrups. It can be found in the composition of mayonnaise, carbonated water, citric acid, fructose, gelatin.
In industry, hydrochloric acid is used more: in hydrometallurgy, galvanotyping; used for cleaning metal surfaces during tinning and soldering.
E 507 is also used in medicine. Basically, a weak solution of hydrochloric acid was prescribed to people suffering from diseases accompanied by insufficient gastric acidity.
The textile industry uses the additive for leather processing.
Contact with hydrochloric acid can lead to unpleasant consequences. As this is a scorching substance, it should be avoided on exposed skin and mucous membranes, otherwise severe burns are possible. Acid is the greatest danger to the eyes. When unclogging pipes, channels, etc. with the substance, hydrogen chloride vapors are immediately released, a mist is formed, the inhalation of which leads to severe irritation of the respiratory tract, mucous membranes and shortness of breath. Interacting with bleach, potassium permanganate and manganese dioxide, E 507 forms a very toxic and dangerous chlorine gas. However, the weak solutions used in the food industry do not endanger human health in any way.