Question
How is hydrogen chloride manufactured from its elements?
Answer
At present HCl is manufactured from H2 and Cl2 is obtained as a byproduct in the manufacture of NaOH by the electrolytic process. An equal volume is heated in an electric chamber.
H2 (g) + Cl2 (g) = 2HCl (g)
The resultant HCl vapour passes out of the acid chamber through an outlet and is cooled by passing through a cooling coil cooled by water. This cooled gas is absorbed in a tower by a shower of water to get a saturated solution of HCl in the water.
