Ammonium carbonate

Chemical properties

Anunonium carbonate is a white water-soluble, volatile solid prepared by reaction of NH4OH and CO2 and crystallizing from dilute alcohol. Ammonium carbonate loses NH3,CO2, and H20 at ordinary temperatures, and rapidly at 58°C.

Chemical properties

Ammonium carbonate is a colorless crystal or white lumpy powder with a strong ammonia odor. The odor specific gravity (gas)52.7; Threshold is ,5 ppm as ammonia gas.

Physical properties

Colorless or translucent hard crystalline mass or white cubic crystals or powder; sharp taste; odor of ammonia; decomposes at 58°C; slow decomposition at ambient temperatures; readily dissolves in cold water; decomposes in hot water; insoluble in liquid ammonia, alcohol and carbon disulfide.

The Uses of Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium Carbonate is a dough strengthener, a leavening agent, a ph control agent, and a texturizer. it is prepared by the sublima- tion of a mixture of ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate, and occurs as a white powder or a hard, white translucent mass.

The Uses of Ammonium carbonate

Pharmaceutic aid (source of ammonia).

The Uses of Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate is widely utilized as a leavening agent in lebkuchen, cookies and flat biscuits. It finds an important application as an emetic and an active ingredient in some cough syrups. It is the main component in smelling salts and an active ingredient in some smokeless tobacco products, shampoos and dyes used in textile industries. It is an important predecessor to the modern leavening agent?s baking soda and baking powder. It serves as a foaming agent for the production of expanded material. It is also used as a reagent for analytical purposes in the chemical industry.

What are the applications of Application

Ammonium carbonate is a simple compound utilized as a porogen and leavening agent

Definition

A mixture of ammonium acid carbonate and ammo- nium carbamate.

Definition

ammonium carbonate: A colourlessor white crystalline solid,(NH₄)₂CO₃, usually encountered asthe monohydrate. It is very soluble incold water. The compound decomposesslowly to give ammonia, water,and carbon dioxide. Commercial ‘ammoniumcarbonate’ is a double saltof ammonium hydrogencarbonateand ammonium aminomethanoate(carbamate), NH₄HCO₃.NH₂COONH₄.This material is manufactured byheating a mixture of ammoniumchloride and calcium carbonate andrecovering the product as a sublimedsolid. It readily releases ammoniaand is the basis of sal volatile. It isalso used in dyeing and wool preparationand in baking powders.

Preparation

Ammonium carbonate is obtained by passing carbon dioxide into aqueous ammonia solution in a column or tower. Ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor are distilled and the vapors condensed into a solid crystalline mass. It also may be prepared by subliming a mixture of ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate.

General Description

A colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia. Noncombustible. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Used to make other ammonium compounds, in pharmaceuticals, in food processing.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Ammonium carbonate decomposes when heated to give gaseous ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide. Reaction is non-explosvie. Causes decomposition of sodium hypochlorite within a few seconds [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:550 1956].

Hazard

Evolves irritating fumes when heated.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion may cause gastric irritation. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.

Agricultural Uses

Ammonium carbonate, (NH₄)₂CO₃, is an intermediate product formed during the synthesis of urea. Ammonium carbonate on decomposition yields urea and water.

Safety Profile

Poison by subcutaneous and intravenous routes. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NO, and NH3.

Potential Exposure

It is used in dyeing, tanning, medicines, fire extinguishers; to make casein glue; ammonia salts; and baking powders. A laboratory reagent.

Metabolism

Not Available

Shipping

UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Acids, acid salts; salts of iron and zinc, alkaloids, calomel and tartar emetic. Keep cool, below 38 C. Contact with inorganic acids may form CO2, heat, and dangerous spattering.

Waste Disposal

Slowly deposit in a large container of water. Add excess amounts of soda ash and let stand for 24 hours. Decant to another container, neutralize with hydrochloric acid, and drain with an excess of water. Ship to landfill.