Ex: HCl + Na --> NaCl + H. The question refers to the (fact?) that the acid is not pure. HCl is the solute, suspended in HOH I assume. Therefore there will be subproduct(s) ?. For example, in this reaction, the HOH solvent may combine to make NaOH, and ClO2. I may be totally off base here, in advance I apologise for my naive te. I am 42 years old and have forgotten alot of my earlier education. If this question is of a format that is unacceptable, please help illucidate me. I hope I have made my question clear enough, if not, please let me know.