2006-11-19 18:11:47 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Actually HCl is an acid even when it is in the gaseous state. The reaction of HCl gas with NH3 gas gives a cloud of the solid NH4Cl. In this reaction HCl, although it doesn't dissociate, it still donates its H+, so it is an acid according to the Bronsted-Lowry definition.
If the question is in the context of pH, then you should realize that pH and its 0-14 scale has a meaning only for aqueous solutions, so anyway it is not applicable to gases.
You should point out this to your teacher, since claiming that HCl gas is not acidic is wrong.
2006-11-19 23:39:48 · answer #1 · answered by bellerophon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a compound to show acidic character ( that means pH lower than 7) it should have free H+ ions. And compound should be dissolved in some solvent ( mostly water as it is a polar compound) to ionise and to produce free H+ ions. Hydrogen chloride gas does not have any free such H+ ions and it can not show acidic behaviour. But as gas is dissolved in water free ions of hydrogen are produced and it shows acidic behaviour.
2006-11-19 18:49:14 · answer #2 · answered by yogen p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in many circumstances, hydrogen chloride is used whilst discussing the organic compound, not in answer. If making a huge distinction between the two words, then hydrochloric acid refers back to the compound in answer, in many circumstances aqueous answer. In prepare, whilst "HCl" is the compound, maximum chemists will in basic terms call it hydrochloric acid, with out making the excellence. with regards to HCl in methylbenzene, formerly asserting it "isn't acidic" you're able to desire to define what you recommend via an "acid." Chemists use distinctive definitions of what an acid is, based upon the situations being seen. For a communicate of this, see the Wikipedia hyperlink below.
2016-12-29 06:04:49 · answer #3 · answered by purinton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All acids need water in order to form H+ ions. The gas is dry, and so has no H+ ions.
2006-11-19 18:19:43 · answer #4 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
acids are proton donors, in order for HCl to donate a proton it must be ionized in water. the gas is vaporized HCl and will not be acidic without the medium to become ionized
2006-11-19 18:18:50 · answer #5 · answered by phur 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The acid gases come from combinations involving metals, such as ferrous (iron) sulphide or zinc chloride.
2006-11-19 18:15:21 · answer #6 · answered by Bart S 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋