Aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride is strongly acidic but the solution of hydrogen chloride in benzene is not at all acidic -why?

Explanation

Polar `overset(delta+)(H)-overset(delta-)(Cl)` molecules undergo complete ionisation in water and produce `H^(+)` ions. Hence, aqueous solution of HCl becomes strongly acidic. On the other hand, HCl molecules do not undergo ionisation in non-polar benzene. because of this, HCl in benzene is not at all acidic.