Ammonium bicarbonate

Ammonium bicarbonate is a white crystalline powder or granules with a slightly alkaline taste and a characteristic ammoniacal odor. It is a white solid that decomposes readily on heating, releasing ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. It is widely used in the food industry as a leavening agent, in chemical synthesis, and in various industrial applications. Its unique property of decomposing to release gases makes it valuable for baking and other processes where gas release is desired.

Description

Ammonium bicarbonate Uses

Primary Uses 

Food Industry – Leavening Agent

  • Commonly used as a leavening agent in baked goods such as cookies, crackers, and flatbreads where it helps produce a light, porous texture by releasing COâ‚‚ gas upon heating. 
  • Preferred in recipes that require a quick release of gas without leaving residue, especially in traditional and artisanal baking. 
  • Used in some bakery products as an alternative to baking powder or baking soda. 
  • Approved as a food additive (E503ii) in many countries. 

Chemical Industry – Reagent & Intermediate

  • Utilized as a mild alkaline reagent in chemical synthesis and analytical chemistry. 
  • Acts as a source of ammonia and carbon dioxide in chemical reactions. 
  • Employed in the production of pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and dyes. 

Pharmaceuticals

  • Used as a component in some effervescent powders and preparations, where the gas release aids dissolution and absorption. 
  • May act as a mild antacid in certain formulations. 

Secondary Uses

Agriculture

  • Occasionally used as a nitrogen fertilizer or soil amendment, providing ammonium ions and helping adjust soil pH. 
  • Less commonly applied compared to ammonium sulfate or nitrate. 

Fire Extinguishing

  • Used in some dry chemical fire extinguishers as a chemical that decomposes to release non-flammable gases. 

Laboratory Uses

  • Employed in analytical chemistry as a buffering agent or source of ammonium ions. 
  • Used in preparing volatile buffers for mass spectrometry and chromatography.
KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ammonium bicarbonate 
  • Common/Trade Names: Ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate 
  • CAS Number: 1066-33-7 
  • HS Code: 2836.20.00 
  • Molecular Formula: NH4HCO3 
  • Synonyms: Ammonium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium acid carbonate 

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules 
  • Color & Odor: White, odor of ammonia when decomposing 
  • Melting Point: Decomposes at ~36–60°C (not a true melting point) 
  • Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling 
  • Density: ~1.6 g/cm³ 
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~3.7 g/mL at 20°C), decomposes in hot water 
  • pH Level: Slightly alkaline (~8–9 in aqueous solution) 
  • Vapor Pressure: Low, but releases ammonia and COâ‚‚ upon decomposition 
  • Flash Point: Non-flammable 
  • Stability: Unstable when heated or in moist environments 

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally low hazard, but ammonia release can cause irritation 
  • NFPA Ratings: Health 2 (moderate hazard), Flammability 0, Reactivity 1 (unstable) 
  • Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL, ammonia vapors exposure limits apply 
  • Reactivity: Decomposes readily on heating or in moist air 
  • Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, moisture 

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to prevent decomposition 
  • Container Type: Plastic or glass containers, tightly sealed 
  • Shelf Life: Typically 1–2 years if stored properly in dry conditions 
  • Special Handling: Avoid moisture and heat; handle in well-ventilated areas to avoid ammonia vapor buildup 

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status: Approved food additive (E503ii) in many regions 
  • Transportation: Not classified as hazardous but requires careful packaging to avoid moisture exposure 
  • Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local regulations; non-hazardous but avoid environmental contamination 

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity, but ammonia release can be harmful in large quantities 
  • Persistence: Decomposes readily in the environment 
  • Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic 
  • Biodegradability: Biodegradable and breaks down into natural components 
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks when handling the powder. 
  • Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust and ammonia vapors. Work in well-ventilated areas. 
  • Storage: Keep containers sealed and dry to prevent decomposition and ammonia release. 
  • Hygiene: Wash hands after use; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling. 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately. If ammonia vapors cause irritation or breathing difficulty, seek medical attention. 
  • Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation develops. 
  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical care if irritation persists. 
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested. 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but decomposes on heating releasing ammonia and carbon dioxide gases, which can be irritating. 
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or COâ‚‚ for surrounding fires. 
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) due to ammonia vapors.