Ammonium Chloride (NH₄Cl) White Crystalline Salt with Versatile Uses
Ammonium chloride is a colorless or white crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water. It is widely used in agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, and laboratories.
Key Properties
- Chemical formula: NH₄Cl
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- pH: Slightly acidic solution when dissolved
Applications
- Agriculture: Used as a nitrogen fertilizer to support plant growth
- Industry: Employed as a flux in metalwork (soldering, galvanizing)
- Pharmaceuticals: Ingredient in cough medicines and expectorants
- Laboratory: Used in buffer solutions and chemical synthesis
- Food industry: Sometimes used as a food additive (E510) and flavoring
Safety and Handling
- Avoid inhaling dust and prolonged skin contact
- Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials
- Use protective equipment when handling large quantities