ACETALDEHYDE AMMONIA

Description

Acetaldehyde ammonia is a white crystalline solid and very soluble in water. It is used to make other chemicals and vulcanise rubber. On long exposure to air, acetaldehyde ammonia oxidises, hardens, and turns yellow or brown in colour and reacts exothermically with water to evolve gaseous ammonia. Acetaldehyde ammonia reacts with strong oxidising agents and halogens, and when heated, it readily decomposes into acetaldehyde and ammonia. It attacks copper, aluminium, zinc, and their alloys and reacts with mercury and silver oxides to form shock-sensitive compounds.

The Uses of ACETALDEHYDE AMMONIA

For preparing pure acetaldehyde; in organic syntheses.

General Description

A white crystalline solid. Melting point 97°C. Boiling point 110°C (with some decomposition). An addition product between acetaldehyde and ammonia. Presents moderate fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Moderately toxic by ingestion and inhalation and a strong irritant. Used to make other chemicals, vulcanize rubber.

Air & Water Reactions

Resinifies (oxidizes, hardens and turns yellow or brown) on long exposure to air. Very soluble in water [Hawley]. Reacts exothermically with water to evolve gaseous ammonia.

Reactivity Profile

ACETALDEHYDE AMMONIA reacts with strong oxidizing agents and halogens. Attacks copper, aluminum, zinc and their alloys. Reacts with mercury and silver oxides to form shock-sensitive compounds [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 139]. Readily decomposes into acetaldehyde and ammonia when heated, causing the hazards of those substances [Lewis].

Health Hazard

Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of Asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Some liquids produce vapors that may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot.

Safety Profile

It readily decomposes into acetaldehyde and ammonia when heated, causing the hazards of these substances. Moderate fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Can react with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NH3 and NOx