As we know that Hydrochloric solution can show its acidic properties only when dissolved in water but dry HCL gas can show acidic properties in the absence of water as it can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Exposure to high levels can result in corrosive damage to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tissues, and could lead to pulmonary edema and even death in extreme cases.

Introduction:
Acidity is a chemical property that refers to the ability of a substance to donate protons or accept electrons. In the case of HCl (hydrochloric acid), it is a strong acid that dissociates completely in water to produce H+ ions and Cl- ions. However, in the absence of water, HCl can exist in two forms: dry gas and solution. Let's analyze which form can exhibit acidic properties in the absence of water and provide a reason for the same.

Dry HCl gas:
When HCl is in its gaseous state, it consists of HCl molecules that do not dissociate into ions. Therefore, dry HCl gas does not exhibit acidic properties in the absence of water. This is because acidity is a result of the presence of H+ ions, which are responsible for the acidic behavior.

HCl solution:
HCl solution, on the other hand, is a different story. When HCl is dissolved in water, it dissociates into H+ ions and Cl- ions due to the polarity of water molecules. However, even in the absence of water, HCl solution can still exhibit acidic properties. This is because HCl is a strong acid, and it has a tendency to donate protons (H+ ions) to other substances.

In the absence of water, HCl solution can react with certain substances to form new compounds or ions, thus showing its acidic nature. For example:

1. Reaction with metals: HCl can react with certain metals, such as zinc, to form metal chlorides and release hydrogen gas. The reaction can be represented as:
2HCl + Zn -> ZnCl2 + H2

2. Reaction with bases: HCl can react with bases to form salts and water. For instance, when HCl reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O) are formed:
HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O

3. Reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates: HCl can react with carbonates and bicarbonates to form carbon dioxide gas, water, and corresponding salts. For example, the reaction between HCl and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) can be represented as:
2HCl + NaHCO3 -> NaCl + H2O + CO2

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while dry HCl gas does not exhibit acidic properties in the absence of water, HCl solution can still demonstrate its acidic nature. This is because HCl is a strong acid that can donate protons to other substances, leading to the formation of new compounds or ions. It is important to note that the presence of water enhances the acidic behavior of HCl by facilitating its dissociation into H+ and Cl- ions, but it is not a prerequisite for the manifestation of its acidic properties.