| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
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From your description, it's almost certain to be hydrochloric acid, which is
commonly sold in hardware stores as "muriatic acid." This acid gives
off acrid fumes, unlike, say, sulfuric acid or even nitric acid, and unlike the
latter two is not a strong oxidizer so it's safer to handle.
The best way to dispose of the stuff (if you're patient) is to get 5-10 drops of a phenolphthalein indicator solution from your local science teacher and put it into your jar. Then stir in small amounts of lye (carefully and slowly!) until the solution turns pink. You may want to keep the jar on ice while you do this. DANGER! Wear rubber gloves, goggles and clothing you don't care about! SPLASH DANGER! After that you can dump it down your drain. Pick one that needs de-clogging, as your solution will be a reasonably strong base by now (especially if your solution turned not just pale pink, but deep wine-red!)
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Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.