To detect sub-ppm levels of dry HCl gas, spectral changes of tetraphen
ylporphine dispersed in ethylcellulose were examined in the visible re
gion. The Soret and Q-bands of free base tetraphenylporphine are sensi
tive to sub-ppm levels of HCl with a good reversibility and insensitiv
e to NH3, Cl-2, NO2 and NO at room temperature.