Outline |
Ammonium carbonate is positive ammonium salt of carbonic acid normal salt, the formula is (NH4)2CO3. Pure product is colorless or white cubic crystal or powder, it has strong smell of ammonia. Industrial product is complex salt of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate, it is white, flaky or small block of solid product crushed form. It is often with a molecular crystal water, it is hygroscopic, soluble in water, it can decompose in case of hot water. It is insoluble in ethanol and carbon disulfide. Ammonium carbonate can rapidly decompose into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water at 58℃. Ammonium carbonate can be obtained by ammonia introduces into solution of sodium carbonate with half times, the solution crystallizes at 30°C. It gradually loses ammonia to form ammonium bicarbonate in air. |
Solubility in water (g/100ml) |
The grams which dissolve per 100 ml of water:100g / 20 ℃. |
Related reactions of the formula |
At room temperature for significant decomposition: (NH4) 2CO3 → 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O
At low temperature and a certain pressure, carbon dioxide and water with an excess of ammonia, ammonium carbonate can be obtained: 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O → (NH4) 2CO3
Ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate suspension under heating to generate ammonium carbonate: (NH4) 2SO4 + CaCO3 → (NH4) 2CO3 + CaSO4
Urea in aqueous solution will gradually react with water to form ammonium carbonate: CO (NH2) 2 + 2H2O → (NH4) 2CO3 |
Toxcity |
If it splashes into the eye accidentally, rinse immediately with plenty of water. It has stimulating effect on the skin. It should pay attention to dust prevention and dust extraction, respiratory protection, skin protection. |
Chemical properties |
It is matte orthorhombic crystalline powder. It has strong ammonia odor. It usually can not get anhydrous salt, industrial salt is actually a complex of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate. The amount of ammonia is 31%, The amount of carbon dioxide is 56%. It is soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol, carbon disulfide, and concentrated ammonia. It is unstable in the air, it will gradually become ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate. When be dried at 58℃, it can easily decompose, release ammonia and carbon dioxide. Aqueous solution begins to decompose at 70℃. It is unstable for light and heat. It has slightly hygroscopic. |
Application |
It is used as raw material for baking powder, various ammonium salts, buffer agent, auxiliaries, fertilizer and analytical reagent. Edible ammonium carbonate is used as buffer, neutralizing agent, leavening agent, fermentation promoter (manufacture of wine).
It is used for fire fighting, detergents, and used in medicine, rubber, and other industrial fermentation.
The above information is edited by the chemicalbook of Wang Xiaodong. |
Production method |
Carbonization method: Carbon dioxide, ammonia and steam synthesized directly sodium carbonate, it passes through the cooling chamber, uses water to direct cooling, and then it is refined to obtain ammonium carbonate products.
2NH3 + CO2 + H2O → (NH4) 2CO3 |
Category |
Toxic substances. |
Toxicity grading |
highly toxic. |
Acute toxicity |
Intravenous - Mouse LD50: 96 mg / kg; Intravenous - Dogs LDL0: 200 mg / kg. |
Flammability hazard characteristics |
It can produce toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and ammonia at high temperature. |
Storage characteristics |
Treasury ventilation low-temperature drying. |
Extinguishing agent |
Dry powder, foam, sand, carbon dioxide, water mist. |
Chemical Properties |
Solid colorless |
General Description |
A colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia. Noncombustible. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Used to make other ammonium compounds, in pharmaceuticals, in food processing. |
Air & Water Reactions |
Water soluble. |
Reactivity Profile |
Ammonium carbonate decomposes when heated to give gaseous ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide. Reaction is non-explosvie. Causes decomposition of sodium hypochlorite within a few seconds [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:550 1956]. |
Health Hazard |
Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion may cause gastric irritation. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation. |