Ammonium chloride
Ammonium chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula NH4Cl. It is a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. Solutions of ammonium chloride are mildly acidic. Sal ammoniac is a name of the natural, mineralogical form of ammonium chloride.
History[edit | edit source]
The substance was first identified by the Arabic alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 8th century. It was used in the Middle Ages by alchemists in the process of making gold. In Asia, it is used to make a special type of food.
Production[edit | edit source]
Ammonium chloride is prepared commercially by combining ammonia (NH3) with either hydrogen chloride (gas) or hydrochloric acid (water solution):
NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
Uses[edit | edit source]
Ammonium chloride is used in a variety of applications including as a fertilizer, in cold packs, in the manufacture of batteries and in the textile and leather industry.
Health effects[edit | edit source]
Ammonium chloride is considered safe for humans, but an overdose can cause acidosis, a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. It can also cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD