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

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

Ammonium chloride is prepared commercially by combining ammonia (NH3) with either hydrogen chloride (gas) or hydrochloric acid (water solution):

NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl

Uses

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

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

• Ammonia
• Hydrochloric acid
• Acidosis