What is ammonium chloride?
Ammonium chloride is the ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid. It consists of ammonium cations (NH₄⁺) and chloride anions (Cl-). It is a colorless, crystalline substance with the chemical formula NH₄Cl and a molar mass of 53.49 g/mol. Ammonium chloride is highly soluble in water and forms slightly acidic solutions in aqueous solution.
Overview
Name: Ammonium chloride, ammonia, ammonia salt, chlorammonium
Chemical formular: NH₄Cl
Molar mass: 53,49 g/mol
Purity: API — Pharmaceutical quality
Minimum order quantity: 20 kg
Production of ammonium chloride
Ammonium chloride is a versatile mineral salt that is used in various industries such as the pharmaceutical industry, the cosmetics industry and food production. Ammonium chloride is mainly produced using the modified Solvay process, which accounts for around 80 % of global production. This process involves the reaction of ammonia with carbon dioxide and sodium chloride, producing sodium carbonate as a by-product in addition to ammonium chloride. The advantages of this process lie in the efficient use of raw materials and the possibility of obtaining soda ash (sodium carbonate) as a by-product.
NH3 + HCl ➔ NH4Cl
In addition to the Solvay process, ammonium chloride is also produced by direct gas phase synthesis. This method, in which ammonia and hydrogen chloride react directly, is mainly used on a laboratory scale or in niche industries with high purity requirements.
The market situation for ammonium chloride shows continuous growth, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. The global market for ammonium chloride was worth around USD 1.44 billion in 2022 and will increase to USD 1.89 billion by 2030, which corresponds to annual growth of around 3.5%. The pharmaceutical sector is also growing strongly, as ammonium chloride is used in cough syrups as an expectorant and in infusion solutions as an electrolyte substitute. 1) 2)
Characteristics and functions of ammonium chloride in biochemistry
Ammonium chloride plays an important role in biochemistry, especially in cell biology and molecular biology. It is often used in protein purification, as it reduces the solubility of proteins and facilitates their isolation and purification. In addition, ammonium chloride is an important component of buffer solutions, which are necessary in many biochemical experiments. These solutions help to keep the pH stable during experiments, which is essential for accurate and reproducible results.
Use of ammonium chloride in the pharmaceutical industry
In medicine, ammonium chloride is used as an expectorant (mucolytic). It helps to liquefy the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. This property makes it a common ingredient in cough syrups and other cold medicines. Ammonium chloride is also used to acidify urine, which can be helpful for certain medical conditions, such as treating urinary tract infections or dissolving kidney stones.
Use of ammonium chloride in cosmetics
In the cosmetics industry, ammonium chloride is used as a pH regulator and thickening agent. It is used in shampoos, hair conditioners and skin care products, where it regulates the viscosity and improves the stability of the products. These properties help to ensure that cosmetic products have a pleasant consistency and spread well on the skin.
Ammonium chloride as food additive E510
In the food industry, ammonium chloride is used as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent. It is approved as a food additive E510 in the EU and many other countries and is used in licorice products in particular. Ammonium chloride as E510 gives them a characteristic salty taste. In Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands, it is known as “salmiak” and is used in sweets, drinks and even ice cream.
However, the use of ammonium chloride as a food additive is subject to certain guidelines and restrictions:
- Usage quantities: There is no fixed maximum quantity for ammonium chloride, as long as it is safe to use. It is therefore used in food products in quantities that are necessary to achieve the desired technological effect.
- Labeling: If ammonium chloride is used as a processing agent and is not present as a food additive in the final product, it does not have to be indicated on the label.
- Safety assessment: No harmful effects of ammonium chloride in the quantities used as a food additive are known up to now.
Conclusion
Ammonium chloride differs from other raw materials due to its specific chemical properties and applications. This unique combination makes it particularly useful in biochemistry, medicine and the food industry.
Fun fact about ammonium chloride
In the traditional Chinese production of thousand-year-old eggs, chicken or duck eggs are soaked in a mixture of ammonium chloride, salt, lime and ash. This fermentation process, which can take weeks or even months, gives the eggs their typical dark color, the transparent jelly-like egg white and the intense, sulfurous taste.
MAGNESIA 708013
Ammonium chloride
- EP
- API
- European origin
- Complies to CEP
