Ammonium chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula NH₄Cl. It is a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. Ammonium chloride solutions exhibit mildly acidic properties. "Sal ammoniac" is the name for the natural mineralogical form of ammonium chloride.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Ammonium Chloride:
- Molecular weight: 53.49 g/mol
- Melting point: 338°C (sublimes, decomposes)
- Boiling point: 520°C
- Density: 1.5274 g/mL
- Solubility: Water: 283 g/L (25°C), Alcohol: 6 g/L (19°C)
- Glycerin: 97 g/kg
- Acetic acid: 0.67 g/kg (16.6°C)
- Insoluble in ether and ethyl acetate
- Acidity (pKa): 9.24
Production Methods of Ammonium Chloride:
- Extraction from Natural Sources: Ammonium chloride can be found around certain volcanic vents in nature. Ammonium chloride crystals are collected from these sources and processed.
- Synthetic Production: Ammonium chloride can be synthetically produced by the reaction between ammonia and hydrochloric acid. Water is also formed as a byproduct in this reaction.
Applications of Ammonium Chloride:
- Dry Cell Battery Production: Ammonium chloride is used as an electrolyte in dry cell batteries. It helps facilitate the flow of electric current between the anode and cathode of the battery.
- Metal Processing: Ammonium chloride is used in metalworking processes such as tinning, soldering, and galvanizing. It cleans oxide layers from metal surfaces and improves metal adhesion.
- Cough Medicine: Ammonium chloride is used as an ingredient in cough medications. It acts as an expectorant and diuretic, helping to loosen mucus. It also numbs the throat, reducing coughing.
- Food Additive: Ammonium chloride is used as a food additive, known by the code E510. It serves as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and yeast nutrient. In some countries, it is also used in liquor and confectionery production.
- Fertilizer Production: Ammonium chloride is used in fertilizer production as a nitrogen source for plants. It is particularly suitable for crops like rice that grow in flooded conditions.