Ammonium Chloride - Features, Structure, Types, Formula, Uses, FAQs

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NH₄Cl is a rare compound with the chemical name Ammonium chloride. It is also known as sal ammoniac, ammonia salt and hydrogen chloride. It is a product of sodium carbonate. In its purest form, it is crystalline salt, white compound. This mixture is very soluble in water and has a mild acidity. It is used in animal medicine to prevent urination in sheep, goats and cattle. When ammonium sulfate and NaCl solutions react together, NH₄Cl is produced. When a 5% solution of ammonium chloride is used (by weight) in mixed water, the resulting solution has a pH range of 4.6 to 6.0.

This Story also Contains

Features of Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium Chloride Uses
Health Effects of Ammonium chloride
Ammonia Preparation- NH3
Formula of Ammonium Chloride
Structure of Ammonium Chloride
Chemical Formula of Ammonium Chloride
Sublimation of Ammonium Chloride
Various Types of Bond Available in NH4Cl

Ammonium Chloride - Features, Structure, Types, Formula, Uses, FAQs

Ammonium chloride is an acidizing salt that can be found in the body and urine. The ingredients of ammonium chloride in pH regulation also have a modest effect on abortion. This acid-forming salt also has an expectorant effect on irritating the mucous membranes, making it helpful in coughing.

Features of Ammonium Chloride

Molecular Weight / Molar Mass of ammonium chloride is about 53.491 g / mol

Density is approximately 1.53 g / cm³

Melting point of Ammonium chloride 338 ° C

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Ammonium Chloride Uses

It is used in fertilizers as a source of nitrogen.

It is used medically (especially in cough medicines) as an expectorant.

It is applied to a glue that helps to hold the plank.

It is used in Leclanche cells for powerful solutions.

It is used in food additives - in making bread as an ingredient of yeast.

It is used as an acidifier.

It is used for cooling baths to create low temperatures.

They are used as temporary solutions and ammonia.

It is given to cattle as food additives.

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Health Effects of Ammonium chloride

It is not at all dangerous, as overdose is possible. High blood pressure can be caused by ammonium chloride. Anger, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, and headache are all symptoms of ammonium chloride poisoning. Gases have the potential to cause eye discomfort. Chronic exposure can cause chest-like reactions or kidney failure. Ammonium chloride is used as a systemic acidifier in the treatment of severe metabolic alkalosis, in tests of oral acid delivery to identify distal renal tubular acidosis, and in the treatment of several urinary tract urinary tract infections.

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Ammonia Preparation- NH₃

Ammonia is easily made in the laboratory by burning salt, ammonium chloride NH₄Cl with strong alkali, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.

2NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O + 2NH₃(g)

The gas can also be produced by evaporation of concentrated ammonium hydroxide.

The main commercial method of producing ammonia is the Haber Process, a direct combination of nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure where there is a catalyst.

Formula of Ammonium Chloride

The ammonium chloride formula is given at the following points. First it is important to remember that ammonium chloride is an inanimate compound. It is a white crystalline salt that dissolves easily in water.

NCERT Chemistry Notes :

Structure of Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium chloride is a water-soluble and soluble compound. It contains nitrogen ions, four hydrogen atoms, and chloride ions.

Chemical Formula of Ammonium Chloride

The ammonium chloride molecule contains nitrogen, chloride and hydrogen atoms. The chemical or molecular formula of ammonium chloride is as follows-

Ammonium Chloride Chemical Formula = NH₄Cl

Ammonium chloride is used in a number of fields such as fertilizers, glue, medicines, food additives, cooling baths, and acidifiers. There are various uses of NH₄Cl but their use should be limited due to the environmental risks they cause

What happens to given pure ammonium chloride during the sublimation of ammonium chloride?

Pure ammonium chloride is collected on the inner sides of the funnel in a sublimate form.

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Sublimation of Ammonium Chloride

Sublimation is the substance of an object in which it is converted directly from solid to gas or vice versa. Such things are known as sublime.

Take a mixture of ammonium chloride and salt in a Chinese bowl to cover it with a circular turning tube. On the other side of the panel, place a cotton plug to keep smoke out. Now place the china dish on the stove. Since ammonium chloride is low after heating, it will convert directly into steam. This vapor will also turn in the colder part above to form a solid ammonium chloride. In this way, the mixture of ammonium chloride and salt can be separated by sublimation.

When the ammonium chloride is dissolved in water the solution then becomes cold. The change is Endothermic because heat is absorbed.

Various Types of Bond Available in NH₄Cl

NH₄Cl is a rare compound with the chemical name Ammonium chloride. Common name of ammonium chloride is Sal ammoniac, ammonia salt and hydrogen chloride. Ammonium chloride helps maintain pH and has a mild effect on diarrhea.

In the NH₄Cl molecule, an ionic bond is formed between NH₄⁺ and Cl^- ions

3 covalent bonds are formed between N and 3H atoms.

A single bond bond is formed between N and one H atom.

Molar mass of ammonium chloride

53.491 g/mol

NH₄Cl colour

White Crystalline Solid

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ammonia chloride used for?

Ammonium chloride is used in various industries, including as a fertilizer, in food processing as a food additive (E510), in the manufacture of dry cells (batteries), and as a flux in metalworking and soldering among others.

2. What is the formula for ammonia chloride?

The formula for ammonium chloride is NH₄Cl.

3. Is ammonium chloride harmful?

Ammonium chloride can be harmful if exposed to large quantities or when inhaled, causing irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. However, it is generally considered safe in small amounts, especially as a food additive or fertilizer.

4. What is the pH of NH₄Cl?

The pH of a solution of ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) ranges between 5.5 to 6.5, making it slightly acidic due to the hydrolysis of the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) in water.

5. What is the famous name for ammonium chloride?

The famous name for ammonium chloride is sal ammoniac.

6. How does ammonium chloride participate in acid-base titrations?

Ammonium chloride can be used in acid-base titrations, particularly in creating buffer solutions. When combined with ammonia, it forms an ammonium-ammonia buffer system. This buffer can maintain a relatively stable pH when small amounts of acid or base are added, making it useful in various analytical procedures and biological systems.

7. How does ammonium chloride contribute to the concept of buffer capacity?

Ammonium chloride, when combined with ammonia, forms a buffer system. The buffer capacity of this system depends on the concentration of both ammonium chloride and ammonia. It's most effective at buffering around a pH close to the pKa of the ammonium ion (about 9.25). Understanding this helps in designing buffer solutions with optimal capacity for specific pH ranges.

8. What is the role of ammonium chloride in the nitrogen cycle of aquatic ecosystems?

In aquatic ecosystems, ammonium chloride can serve as a source of nitrogen for primary producers like algae and aquatic plants. The ammonium ions (NH4+) can be directly assimilated by these organisms. However, excessive amounts can lead to eutrophication. In the nitrogen cycle, ammonium can be oxidized by nitrifying bacteria to nitrite and then nitrate, affecting the overall nutrient balance of the ecosystem.

9. What is the role of ammonium chloride in the production of other chemicals?

Ammonium chloride serves as a precursor in the production of various chemicals. It's used in the synthesis of other ammonium compounds, in the production of hydroxylammonium chloride (a reducing agent), and as a raw material in the manufacture of certain dyes and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to provide both ammonium and chloride ions makes it versatile in chemical synthesis.

10. What role does ammonium chloride play in acid-base chemistry?

Ammonium chloride acts as a buffer in acid-base chemistry. It can neutralize small amounts of added base by releasing H+ ions from the NH4+ component, or neutralize small amounts of added acid using the Cl- component. This makes it useful in maintaining a stable pH in various chemical and biological systems.

11. Why is ammonium chloride used in dry cell batteries?

Ammonium chloride is used in dry cell batteries (like zinc-carbon batteries) as an electrolyte. It provides a source of chloride ions that can react with the zinc anode, facilitating the flow of electrons. Its ability to conduct electricity in solution makes it an effective component in these batteries.

12. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in the Solvay process?

In the Solvay process, which is used to produce sodium carbonate (soda ash), ammonium chloride is formed as an intermediate product. It's crucial for recycling ammonia in the process, making it more economically viable and environmentally friendly by reducing waste and improving efficiency.

13. How does ammonium chloride affect the freezing point of water?

Ammonium chloride, when dissolved in water, lowers the freezing point of the solution. This is due to the colligative properties of solutions, where the presence of dissolved ions interferes with the formation of ice crystals. This property makes ammonium chloride useful in creating freezing mixtures for cooling applications.

14. How does ammonium chloride contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Ammonium chloride plays a role in the nitrogen cycle as a source of ammonium ions (NH4+). These ions can be taken up by plants and microorganisms and converted into organic nitrogen compounds. When ammonium chloride decomposes in soil, it releases ammonia, which can be further transformed by nitrifying bacteria into nitrates, completing part of the nitrogen cycle.

15. How does ammonium chloride interact with metals?

Ammonium chloride can react with some metals, particularly in aqueous solutions. It can cause corrosion in certain metals due to the presence of chloride ions and the slightly acidic nature of its solutions. With some metals like zinc, it can form complex ions. These interactions are important in metallurgy and in understanding corrosion processes.

16. How does ammonium chloride affect the solubility of other salts?

Ammonium chloride can affect the solubility of other salts through the common ion effect and by changing the ionic strength of the solution. For salts containing either ammonium or chloride ions, its presence can decrease their solubility. However, for some salts, the increased ionic strength can actually increase solubility due to ion-ion interactions.

17. What is the importance of ammonium chloride in analytical chemistry?

In analytical chemistry, ammonium chloride is used in various ways. It serves as a buffer component, aids in the separation of metal ions in qualitative analysis, and can be used as a masking agent to prevent certain ions from interfering with analytical procedures. Its precise composition makes it useful as a primary standard in some titrations.

18. What is the relationship between ammonium chloride and the concept of hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB)?

In the HSAB concept, the ammonium ion (NH4+) is considered a hard acid, while the chloride ion (Cl-) is a borderline base. This classification helps predict the stability of complexes formed with other species. For example, NH4+ will tend to form more stable complexes with hard bases like F-, while Cl- can interact with both hard and soft acids.

19. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in electrochemistry?

In electrochemistry, ammonium chloride serves as an electrolyte in various applications. It's used in some types of batteries and in electroplating processes. Its ability to dissociate into ions in solution allows for the conduction of electricity. The ammonium and chloride ions can also participate in electrode reactions, influencing the electrochemical behavior of the system.

20. Why is ammonium chloride considered a weak acid salt?

Ammonium chloride is considered a weak acid salt because it undergoes partial hydrolysis in water. The ammonium ion (NH4+) acts as a weak acid, donating a proton to water and forming a small amount of hydronium ions (H3O+), which gives the solution a slightly acidic pH.

21. How does ammonium chloride behave in an electric field?

In an electric field, a molten or dissolved ammonium chloride will undergo electrolysis. The positively charged ammonium ions (NH4+) will move towards the cathode, while the negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-) will move towards the anode. This movement of ions allows ammonium chloride solutions to conduct electricity.

22. How does the presence of ammonium chloride affect the boiling point of water?

When ammonium chloride dissolves in water, it increases the boiling point of the solution. This is due to the colligative properties of solutions, where the presence of dissolved ions reduces the vapor pressure of the liquid. As a result, a higher temperature is required to reach the boiling point compared to pure water.

23. How does the concept of hydrolysis apply to ammonium chloride solutions?

Hydrolysis occurs when ammonium chloride dissolves in water. The ammonium ion (NH4+) acts as a weak acid, partially dissociating to produce hydronium ions (H3O+) and ammonia (NH3). This reaction results in a slightly acidic solution. The extent of hydrolysis depends on the concentration of the solution and affects its pH and other properties.

24. How does ammonium chloride interact with other halides?

Ammonium chloride can undergo displacement reactions with other halides, depending on their relative reactivity. For example, when reacted with sodium bromide or sodium iodide, it may form ammonium bromide or ammonium iodide, respectively. These reactions depend on the relative solubilities and the specific reaction conditions.

25. What is the role of ammonium chloride in organic synthesis?

In organic synthesis, ammonium chloride is used in various reactions. It can serve as a mild acid catalyst, a source of chloride ions, or a reagent in certain transformations. For example, it's used in the Leuckart reaction for the synthesis of amines, and in some reductive amination processes. Its ability to provide a slightly acidic medium without being too corrosive makes it valuable in many organic reactions.

26. How does ammonium chloride interact with clay minerals?

Ammonium chloride can interact with clay minerals through ion exchange processes. The ammonium ions (NH4+) can replace other cations (like Na+ or K+) in the interlayer spaces of clay minerals. This interaction can affect the physical and chemical properties of the clay, such as its swelling behavior and cation exchange capacity, which is important in soil science and geology.

27. What is the environmental impact of ammonium chloride usage?

While ammonium chloride is not highly toxic, its extensive use can have environmental impacts. In agriculture, it can contribute to soil acidification and potential groundwater contamination if overused. In industrial applications, improper disposal can lead to increased salinity in water bodies. However, when used responsibly, its environmental impact is generally manageable.

28. How does ammonium chloride affect protein stability and solubility?

Ammonium chloride can influence protein stability and solubility in several ways. At low concentrations, it can increase protein solubility through the salting-in effect. However, at higher concentrations, it can lead to protein precipitation (salting-out). The ammonium ions can also affect the pH of the solution, which in turn impacts protein structure and function.

29. How does ammonium chloride affect plant growth?

Ammonium chloride can serve as a nitrogen fertilizer for plants, providing a source of ammonium ions (NH4+) that plants can readily absorb. However, its continuous use can lead to soil acidification due to the release of H+ ions when plants take up ammonium. This acidification can affect nutrient availability and overall plant health if not managed properly.

30. What is the role of ammonium chloride in the food industry?

In the food industry, ammonium chloride is used as a food additive (E510). It serves as a yeast nutrient in bread making, contributes to the crispy texture in some baked goods, and is used in the production of licorice. Its slightly salty and sour taste makes it useful in certain flavor profiles, particularly in savory snacks.

31. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in biochemistry?

In biochemistry, ammonium chloride plays several roles. It can be used to adjust pH in buffer solutions, influence protein solubility and stability, and serve as a source of nitrogen in microbial growth media. Its ability to provide ammonium ions is particularly important in studying nitrogen metabolism in various organisms.

32. How does the structure of ammonium chloride contribute to its properties?

The structure of ammonium chloride consists of tetrahedral ammonium ions (NH4+) and spherical chloride ions (Cl-) arranged in a cubic crystal lattice. This structure allows for easy dissolution in water and contributes to its ionic properties, such as conductivity when dissolved.

33. What is the difference between anhydrous and hydrated ammonium chloride?

Anhydrous ammonium chloride contains no water molecules in its crystal structure, while hydrated ammonium chloride includes water molecules. The anhydrous form is more stable and commonly used, while the hydrated form can occur under specific conditions but is less stable and less common.

34. How does ammonium chloride affect the conductivity of water?

When ammonium chloride dissolves in water, it increases the solution's electrical conductivity. This is because it dissociates into ammonium (NH4+) and chloride (Cl-) ions, which can carry electric charge. The more ammonium chloride dissolved, the higher the conductivity, though this relationship is not linear at high concentrations due to ion interactions.

35. What is the relationship between ammonium chloride and the concept of Lewis acids and bases?

In the context of Lewis acid-base theory, the ammonium ion (NH4+) in ammonium chloride can act as a Lewis acid. It can accept an electron pair from a Lewis base, such as ammonia (NH3), to form the adduct NH4+. The chloride ion (Cl-), on the other hand, can act as a Lewis base, donating an electron pair to a Lewis acid.

36. How does ammonium chloride behave in non-aqueous solvents?

The behavior of ammonium chloride in non-aqueous solvents differs from its behavior in water. In polar solvents like ethanol, it may partially dissolve but to a lesser extent than in water. In non-polar solvents, it generally doesn't dissolve. The solubility and ionization depend on the solvent's polarity and its ability to solvate the ions.

37. How does ammonium chloride behave differently from typical ionic compounds?

Unlike many ionic compounds, ammonium chloride sublimes when heated. This means it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This property is due to the weak hydrogen bonding between NH4+ and Cl- ions, which allows them to separate easily upon heating.

38. How does ammonium chloride compare to other ammonium salts in terms of properties?

Ammonium chloride shares many properties with other ammonium salts, such as being water-soluble and acting as weak acids in solution. However, it has some unique characteristics. For instance, it sublimes more readily than many other ammonium salts and has a lower solubility in water compared to ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate.

39. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in phase diagrams?

Ammonium chloride is often used as an example in teaching phase diagrams, particularly for its sublimation behavior. Its phase diagram shows the

40. How does the crystal structure of ammonium chloride change with temperature?

Ammonium chloride exhibits polymorphism, meaning its crystal structure can change with temperature. At room temperature, it has a cubic structure. As the temperature increases, it undergoes a phase transition to a more disordered structure where the ammonium ions can rotate more freely. This change affects its physical properties and behavior.

41. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in geochemistry?

In geochemistry, ammonium chloride plays a role in mineral formation and alteration processes. It can be found in some volcanic sublimate deposits and can participate in ion exchange reactions in clay minerals. Its presence can influence the pH and ionic composition of groundwater and affect the weathering of certain rocks and minerals.

42. What is ammonium chloride and how is it formed?

Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) is a salt formed by the reaction between ammonia (NH3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). It's created when the ammonium ion (NH4+) combines with the chloride ion (Cl-). This reaction is an example of an acid-base neutralization.

43. How does the solubility of ammonium chloride change with temperature?

The solubility of ammonium chloride increases with temperature. This positive temperature dependence is due to the endothermic nature of its dissolution process. As the temperature rises, more energy is available to break the ionic bonds, allowing more ammonium chloride to dissolve in a given amount of water.

44. What is the Lewis structure of the ammonium ion in ammonium chloride?

The Lewis structure of the ammonium ion (NH4+) shows a central nitrogen atom with four single bonds to hydrogen atoms. The nitrogen also has a formal positive charge. This tetrahedral structure gives the ammonium ion its characteristic shape and properties within the ammonium chloride compound.

45. What is the significance of ammonium chloride in coordination chemistry?

In coordination chemistry, ammonium chloride can act as a source of both ammonium ions (NH4+) and chloride ions (Cl-). The chloride ions can serve as ligands in complex formation with various metal ions. Additionally, the ammonium ion can sometimes act as a weak acid, influencing the pH of the solution and affecting complex formation.

46. What is the relationship between ammonium chloride and the common-ion effect?

The common-ion effect is observed when ammonium chloride is added to a solution containing either ammonium ions (NH4+) or chloride ions (Cl-). This addition suppresses the dissociation of the existing ions, shifting the equilibrium and potentially causing precipitation. This principle is important in understanding solubility equilibria and buffer solutions.

47. What is the role of ammonium chloride in qualitative inorganic analysis?

In qualitative inorganic analysis, ammonium chloride is often used in the systematic separation and identification of metal ions. It helps in the precipitation of certain metal hydroxides and in masking interferences. For example, it's used to prevent the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in the presence of other metal ions.