- #1
no idea
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- 0
can pure molten hydrochloric acid conduct electricity?
Can pure molten hydrochloric acid conduct electricity?
- Thread starter no idea
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on whether pure molten hydrochloric acid can conduct electricity, exploring the nature of HCl in both its gaseous and liquid states, as well as its ionic properties and behavior in different conditions.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that pure molten HCl can conduct electricity due to the presence of free and mobile ions when it transitions from solid to liquid.
- Others express uncertainty, noting that hydrochloric acid is typically encountered as a gas or in aqueous solution, and question the feasibility of it existing as a solid at high temperatures.
- One participant suggests that HCl gas might conduct electricity better than its liquid form due to more mobile ions.
- Another viewpoint posits that liquid HCl may be a poor conductor because it is a covalent compound with fewer ions available for conduction, comparing it to pure water's conductivity.
- There is a correction regarding the classification of HCl as a strong acid, with some arguing that its behavior as a weak base in certain reactions complicates its conductivity in pure form.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether pure molten hydrochloric acid can conduct electricity, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed regarding its ionic nature and behavior in different states.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the state of HCl at high temperatures, the definitions of strong and weak acids, and the implications of ionic dissociation in different forms of HCl.
- #2
bomba923
- 759
- 0
Of course; HCl is an ionic solid; by definition, ionic solids are composed of anions and cations; when the solid is made liquid, you have free and mobile ions; thus, you can conduct electricity.
Yes, pure molten HCl will conduct electricity
Yes, pure molten HCl will conduct electricity
- #3
chem_tr
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 608
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Well, I am not sure; hydrochloric acid is a gas which is used as aqueous solution. In high temperature you will not get it as a solid; it will evaporate. However, high temperature will possibly help its ionization.
- #4
bomba923
- 759
- 0
Would not the HCl gas conduct electricity as well? It has ions more mobile than that of its liquid form
- #5
Pyrovus
- 20
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Liquid HCl will probably be a poor conductor of electricity owing to the fact that it is a covalent compound and doesn't have terribly many ions floating about. Pure water will conduct electricity as a result of ions created by the reaction 2H2O <-> H3O+ + OH-, and there is probably an analagous equilibrium taking place with the HCl: 2HCl <-> H2Cl+ + Cl-. However, HCl is such a weak base that it will have little tendency to accept a proton to form H2Cl+, so this reaction will probably have very little effect (also it should be noted that pure water is still a poor conductor of electricity, even with the aforementioned equilibrium taking place).
- #6
bomba923
- 759
- 0
Pyrovus said:
Silly mE!
I forgot it was covalent... 
!Ay!
Pyrovus said:
How? HCl is hydrochloric acid!, and it is a strong acid! Strong acids will dissociate well in water! Which means mobile ion availability in aqueous HCl solutions!--and thus will conduct electricity!
Last edited:
- #7
Borek
Mentor
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Pyrovus said:
bomba923 said:
What Pyrovus means is that in the reaction 2HCl \leftrightarrow H_2Cl^+ + Cl^- HCl plays role of proton acceptor - so it is a Bronsted base.
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