American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is indeed classified as a corrosive chemical. Corrosive substances are capable of causing damage to living tissues, as well as to other materials, such as metals and plastics, through chemical reactions. In the case of hydrochloric acid, it is a strong acid that possesses the ability to break down solid materials and is highly reactive, particularly with bases and reactive metals.

When hydrochloric acid comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, it can cause serious burns or damage. It is important to handle this substance with caution in a laboratory setting, using appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles, and to have proper ventilation in the workspace.

Sodium chloride (NaCl), acetic acid (CH3COOH), and carbon dioxide (CO2) do not share the same level of corrosiveness as hydrochloric acid. Sodium chloride is common table salt and generally considered safe to handle. Acetic acid can be irritating at high concentrations but is not as aggressive as hydrochloric acid and is often used as a food preservative. Carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature that does not have corrosive properties and is used in various applications, including carbonation in beverages.