Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium chloride is a white crystalline salt with a salty, slightly acidic taste. It is highly soluble in water and is widely used in various industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications. It acts as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, a flux in metalworking, and an expectorant in medicine. Its versatility and relatively low toxicity make it an important compound in multiple sectors.
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Uses
Primary Uses
Agriculture – Fertilizer Component
- Used extensively as a nitrogen fertilizer, particularly in rice and wheat cultivation, providing essential nitrogen and chloride ions for plant growth.
- Favored in acidic soils where chloride is a beneficial micronutrient.
- Often combined with other fertilizers to improve nutrient balance.
Pharmaceuticals – Expectorant and Remedy
- Utilized as an expectorant in cough medicines, aiding in the loosening and expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Used in some electrolyte replenishing formulations.
Industrial Applications
- Employed as a flux in metalworking, especially for soldering, galvanizing, and tinning processes, where it cleans metal surfaces by removing oxides.
- Acts as a component in dry cell batteries to provide an electrolyte.
- Used in the production of textile dyes and in tanning leather.
Food Industry
- Sometimes used as a food additive (E510) and acidity regulator in certain regional food products.
- Added in small quantities in licorice confectionery as a flavor enhancer.
Secondary UsesÂ
Laboratory Uses
- Used as a buffer or reagent in various chemical analyses and syntheses.
- Employed in preparation of other ammonium salts.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Occasionally used in hair care products as a pH adjuster and to improve texture.
Electronics
- Used in the manufacture of some conductive inks and electrolytes for batteries.
Miscellaneous
- Used in cough remedies in veterinary medicine.
- Applied in some cleaning agents and detergents.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ammonium chloride
- Common/Trade Names: Ammonium chloride, sal ammoniac
- CAS Number: 12125-02-9
- HS Code: 2811.10.00
- Molecular Formula: NH4Cl
- Synonyms: Sal ammoniac, ammonium muriate, ammonium monochloride
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White, odorless
- Melting Point: 338°C (sublimes without melting)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at ~520°C
- Density: ~1.53 g/cm³
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~37.2 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- pH Level: Slightly acidic (~5.5 aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
- Flash Point: Non-flammable
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions, decomposes at high temperatures
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous, but can be irritant
- NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL – 10 mg/m³ (respirable dust)
- Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions
- Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials
- Container Type: Plastic or metal containers with tight seals
- Shelf Life: 3–5 years under proper storage
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; handle in well-ventilated areas
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Approved for use in food (E510), pharmaceuticals, and agriculture
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local regulations; non-hazardous
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity but excessive release may affect aquatic life due to chloride content
- Persistence: Does not bioaccumulate, dissolves and disperses readily
- Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Biodegradability: Inorganic salt; not biodegradable but environmentally stable
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Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Wear gloves, eye protection, and dust mask to avoid inhalation and contact.
- Handling: Avoid generating dust and use adequate ventilation.
- Storage: Keep container tightly closed and dry to prevent clumping.
- Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating or drinking in handling areas.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Seek medical care if irritation occurs.
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Get medical help if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water. Seek medical attention if large amounts swallowed.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible.
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical for surrounding fires.
Special Precautions: None specific; avoid inhaling dust or decomposition gases if exposed to high heat.

Acidulants
Antioxidants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
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Surfactants(oil)
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Builders
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Fresh Herbs
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