Ammonium Bicarbonate: Structure, Properties, Uses, Health Effects

Ammonium bicarbonate is a slightly basic inorganic compound. It is composed of an ammonium cation and a bicarbonate anion. The molecular or chemical formula for ammonium bicarbonate is NH4HCO3. It is a white crystalline solid with a strong odour of ammonia. Dissolving ammonium bicarbonate in water produces a slightly alkaline solution.

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This Story also Contains

1. Ammonium Bicarbonate Structure-NH4HCO3
2. Properties of Ammonium Bicarbonate-NH4HCO3
3. Salt of Hartshorn
4. Ammonium Bicarbonate Production-NH4HCO3
5. Ammonium Bicarbonate Uses-NH4HCO3
6. Health Effects/Safety Hazards of Ammonium Bicarbonate-NH4HCO3

Ammonium Bicarbonate Structure-NH4HCO3

Ammonium bicarbonate is a colourless solid that smells like ammonia. Soluble in water, but insoluble in ethanol, acetone, alcohol and benzene. It is harmful to the environment and requires immediate action to stop its spread. Commonly used in food processing.

Properties of Ammonium Bicarbonate-NH4HCO3

• NH4HCO3 is the molecular formula for ammonium bicarbonate.

• NH4HCO3 has a molecular weight of 79.056 g/mol.

• Ammonium bicarbonate has a density of 1.586 g/cm3

• The flash point of ammonium bicarbonate is non-flammable.

• The melting point of ammonium bicarbonate is 41.9 °C.

Salt of Hartshorn

The composition contains ((NH4)2CO3), the chemical name for ammonium carbonate. They are produced commercially and formerly known as spirit ammonia or staghorn salt, obtained by carbonizing nitrogenous organic matter such as hair, horn, and leather. In addition to ammonium bicarbonate, this material contains a carbamate (NH4CO2NH2) and a carbonate ((NH4)2CO3). Ammonium carbonate can be a non-toxic white crystalline salt of the formula (NH4)2CO3. Also known as staghorn or baker's ammonia.

It is used as a leavening agent and flavoring salt because it readily decomposes to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide when heated. It was the predecessor of the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking soda. It is also used as an active ingredient in some smokeless tobacco products and in cough syrups to relieve symptoms of bronchitis. Its use as a leavening agent dates back centuries.It is the predecessor of the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking soda. Similar decomposition occurs when carbonates are exposed to air.

Ammonium Bicarbonate Production-NH4HCO3

It is obtained by the reaction of CO2 and ammonia. Ammonium bicarbonate is thermally unstable, so keep the reaction solution cold. The product can be precipitated as a white solid. In 1997, about 100,000 tons were produced this way.

This compound releases ammonia into the air and returns to the form of ammonium bicarbonate. Ammonia gas converts (NH4)2CO3 and H2O) to the normal carbonate ((NH4)2CO3) when it enters a stable solution of carbonate (2:1:1 mixture of (NH4)HCO3). It can be obtained in a crystalline state from a solution prepared at about 30°C.

Ammonium Bicarbonate Uses-NH4HCO3

Ammonium bicarbonate is used in the food industry as a leavening agent for flat foods such as biscuits and crackers. Prior to the availability of modern leaven, it was commonly used at home.It often replaces baking soda or a mixture of both, depending on the composition of the recipe and the needs of the sourdough.It produces more gas for the same amount of active ingredient than baking powder and completely breaks down into water and gaseous products that evaporate during baking, giving the final product a salty or soapy taste. It has the advantage of not being left behind. It cannot be used in wet, bulky foods such as regular breads and cakes as it can trap ammonia and give it an unpleasant taste.

Ammonium bicarbonate is used as a cheap nitrogen fertilizer in China, but for quality and stability reasons it is being phased out in favor of urea. It is used as an ingredient in dyes and pigments, and is also an essential fertilizer as it is a source of ammonia during production. It is also widely used in the plastics and rubber industry, the manufacture of ceramics, the tanning of chrome leather, and the synthesis of catalysts.

It is also used to buffer solutions to make them slightly alkaline during dry cleaning such as: Freeze-drying allows rapid recovery of the desired mixture as it completely decomposes into volatile compounds. Ammonium bicarbonate is also an important ingredient in expectorant cough syrups.

Health Effects/Safety Hazards of Ammonium Bicarbonate-NH4HCO3

• Not considered hazardous at low concentrations.

• Its main health hazard is a decomposition reaction that produces acidic ammonia gas, a potent irritant.

• Inhaling ammonium bicarbonate can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and entire respiratory system, causing severe coughing and difficulty breathing.