The main difference between hyaluronic acid and hydrochloric acid is that hyaluronic acid is an anionic, non-sulphate glycosaminoglycan, whereas hydrochloric acid is simply a combination of hydrogen and chlorine.
Hyaluronic acid and hydrochloric acid are two acids with different elemental compositions and different uses. Both play an important role in maintaining good health.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Hyaluronic Acid
– Definition, Chemical Properties, Uses
2. What is Hydrochloric Acid
– Definition, Chemical Properties, Uses
3. Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrochloric Acid
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate, Hyaluronate
What is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an anionic non-sulphate glucosaminoglycan. The molecular formula of hyaluronic acid is (C14H21NO11)n. It is also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronate, or hyaluronate. It naturally occurs within the body of humans. Hyaluronic acid is present, especially within the eyes, joints, skin, and connective tissues. Moreover, it is found even within the human embryo.
Moreover, there are three types of hyaluronic acids of different natures: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate.
Hyaluronic acid is a very slippery substance. It is a polymer, meaning that it contains large chains of monomer molecules combined together. This large chain has certain spots to which carbon molecules and other molecules could get attached. For example, one-quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can absorb and hold about half a gallon of water. Therefore, we consider it one of the best polymers to absorb water.
As there are many spaces in the hyaluronic acid molecule for the other molecules to get attached to, hyaluronic acid also acts as a good material for the transport of certain substances. Several molecules are transported throughout the body by hyaluronic acid. It also attaches itself to the cells; this feature in hyaluronic acid helps in the target delivery of medications. Hyaluronic acid also acts as a scaffold structure, which allows tissues to grow. This is how wounds heal in the body.
Properties of Hyaluronic Acid
This molecule acts as a good lubricant and a moisturizer. It retains a high amount of moisture content, so it is a very good hydrating agent. Studies show that skin aging is associated with a lower amount of water in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main substances that can fight and act against ageing and dehydration. Hence, the reversal of skin aging is another benefit of hyaluronic acid. Studies also show that it helps in reducing wrinkles and skin tightness. Moreover, adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine prevents the drying of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is safe for use. Additionally, the side effects of hyaluronic acid are a rare observation.
What is Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid is a colorless solution with a distinct pungent smell. The elemental composition of hydrochloric acid includes hydrogen and chlorine. Another name for it is muriatic acid. The chemical formula of this acid is HCl, and its molar mass is 36.458 g/mol. Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is the main component of gastric acid in the stomach. Gastric acid is produced naturally to digest the food taken to the body. Hydrochloric acid can be produced synthetically according to various industrial and commercial methods.
Hydrochloric acid is useful in the production of household cleaners, pool maintenance, and food manufacturing. It is also useful in the production of vinyl chloride, which helps to produce PVC. Moreover, the other uses of hydrochloric acid include the production of steel, the building and construction industry, the making of disinfectants and slimicides, calcium chloride production, fireworks, photoflash bulbs, batteries, leather processing, acidizing of oil wells, and the production of gelatin products.
However, hydrochloric acid is safe for use. It also has the ability to cause damage and chemical burns. Ingestion of highly concentrated hydrochloric acid can cause severe injuries to the mouth, throat, stomach, and oesophagus. Therefore, one should take extra care in handling hydrochloric acid.
Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrochloric Acid
Definition
Hyaluronic acid is an anionic, non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan, whereas hydrochloric acid is simply a combination of hydrogen and chlorine.
Molecular Formula
Hyaluronic acid has a molecular formula of (C14H21NO11)n, whereas hydrochloric acid has a molecular formula of HCl.
Moisturizing Property
Moreover, hyaluronic acid has good moisturizing properties, but hydrochloric acid does not have such moisturizing properties.
Conclusion
In brief, hyaluronic acid and hydrochloric acid are two types of acids that have variations in their structure, properties, and functions. The key difference between hyaluronic acid and hydrochloric acid is that hyaluronic acid is an anionic, non-sulphate glycosaminoglycan, whereas hydrochloric acid is simply a combination of hydrogen and chlorine.
Reference:
1. “Hyaluronic Acid Benefits.” Health Line.
2. “Hydrochloric Acid – Overview.” Science Direct.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Close-Up Shot of Hyaluronic Acid in a Brown Bottle” (CC0) via Pexles
2. “Hydrochloric acid” By Tpa2067, Mikayé – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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