The common name of HCl is hydrochloric acid.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid that is widely used in various industries, as well as in laboratories and for household cleaning purposes. It is a colorless, corrosive liquid that is produced by dissolving hydrogen chloride gas in water. In addition to its industrial applications, hydrochloric acid plays a crucial role in digestion as it is a component of gastric acid in the human stomach, helping to break down food and kill harmful bacteria. When handling hydrochloric acid, safety precautions are essential due to its highly corrosive nature, which can harm skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.