The dilute hydrochloric acid cannot be concentrated by boiling beyond 22.2 per cent. Why?
The dilute hydrochloric acid cannot be concentrated by boiling beyond 22.2 per cent. Why?

Solution:

Because the molecules of dilute hydrochloric acid HCl(g) get mixed with water vapour.

A solution of HCl gas in water is known as dilute HCl.

(i) The greatest concentration achieved at 20°C and 1013 mbar is 39.1%. (i.e. 100g of a concentrated HCl solution in water will contain 39.1g of HCl).

(ii) The equilibrium concentration of HCl is 20% at boiling point (110oC). As a result, heating a concentrated HCl solution (usually 36.5 per cent) to 110oC causes HCl gas to be eliminated until the concentration in the solution reaches 20%.

(iii) The concentration and boiling point are consistent in both circumstances. The greatest concentration that may be achieved is 40%.