Ammonium Chloride

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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.

Description

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 Uses 

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.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

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

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  • 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.