Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is a colourless solution with a distinctive pungent smell. It is classified as a strong acid. It is a component of the gastric acid in the digestive systems of most animal species, including humans. Hydrochloric acid is an important laboratory reagent and industrial chemical. Hydrochloric acid is a strong, corrosive acid used in metal cleaning, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. It is also used in food production, particularly in the processing of corn syrups.
