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 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.
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.