Ammonium thiocyanate

Ammonium_thiocyanate

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  Ammonium thiocyanate

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  Equilibrium between ammonium thiocyanate and thiourea

Ammonium Thiocyanate

Ammonium thiocyanate is an inorganic compound with the formula NH_SCN. It is a colorless, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. This compound is used in various applications, including as a precursor to thiocyanate salts and in the synthesis of organic compounds.

Chemical Properties

Ammonium thiocyanate is composed of the ammonium cation (NH__) and the thiocyanate anion (SCN_). It is known for its ability to form complexes with transition metals, which is useful in coordination chemistry. The compound is stable under normal conditions but can decompose upon heating to release ammonia and carbon disulfide.

Physical Properties

Ammonium thiocyanate appears as a white crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 128 grams per 100 milliliters at 20°C. The compound has a melting point of 149°C and decomposes at higher temperatures.

Uses

Ammonium thiocyanate is used in various industrial and laboratory applications:

• Photography: It is used in photographic fixing baths to remove unreacted silver halides from photographic emulsions.
• Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a starting material for the synthesis of thiourea and other organic compounds.
• Analytical Chemistry: Ammonium thiocyanate is used in the detection of iron(III) ions, where it forms a blood-red complex with ferric ions.
• Textile Industry: It is used in the dyeing and printing of textiles.

Safety

Ammonium thiocyanate should be handled with care, as it can release toxic gases upon decomposition. It is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this compound. Ingestion or inhalation of ammonium thiocyanate can be harmful, and it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances.

Related Pages

• Thiocyanate
• Ammonium
• Coordination chemistry
• Photographic processing