Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium Chloride: Properties, Applications, and Industrial Sourcing

Ammonium chloride—known in the scientific community as NH₄Cl—is one of the most versatile inorganic compounds in the chemical industry. Whether you are working in the pharmaceutical sector, metalworking, or even the food industry, understanding the nuances of this salt is essential. At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we provide high-purity chemicals tailored to meet global standards. In this detailed guide, we explore everything you need to know about Ammonium Chloride, its industrial role, and its supply chain.


What is Ammonium Chloride? (Systematic Name: Azanium Chloride)

Ammonium chloride (CAS Number: 12125-02-9) is an inorganic compound appearing as a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. In different regions, it is frequently referred to by synonyms such as:

  • Sal Ammoniac (Historical/Mineral name)
  • Muriate of Ammonia
  • Salmiac
  • Ammonium Muriate

It is primarily produced as a byproduct of the Solvay process (used to produce sodium carbonate) by reacting ammonia with hydrogen chloride: NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl

Chemical Properties

  • Molar Mass: 53.49 g/mol
  • Density: 1.527 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 338 °C (sublimes)
  • Appearance: Colorless crystals or white powder
  • pH: 4.6–6.0 (aqueous solution)

Industrial Applications of Ammonium Chloride

The utility of ammonium chloride spans across several critical sectors. Understanding these applications helps in determining the grade of purity required for your specific project.

1. Metalworking and Fluxing

One of the largest uses of NH₄Cl is as a flux in soldering and galvanizing. It cleans the surface of metal workpieces by reacting with metal oxides on the surface to form a volatile metal chloride, ensuring a clean bond for solder or molten zinc.

2. Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Use

It is widely used as an expectorant in cough medicine, as it irritates the bronchial mucosa and facilitates the production of respiratory tract fluid. In veterinary medicine, it is frequently used to treat urinary stones in goats, cattle, and sheep.

3. Food Industry

Under the E-number E510, ammonium chloride is used as a food additive. It is a vital nutrient for yeast in bread-making and is a key ingredient in salty licorice (salmiakki), popular in Nordic countries.

4. Fertilizer Industry

Ammonium chloride is a popular nitrogen-rich fertilizer, particularly for crops like rice and wheat, as it provides nitrogen in a form that is readily available to plants while being slightly acidic, which is beneficial for alkaline soils.

5. Textiles and Leather

It acts as a buffer in the dyeing process and is used in tanning leather to ensure uniform coloration and texture.


Why Source from ChemicalsSuppliers.com?

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we bridge the gap between high-scale industrial manufacturers and laboratory-scale researchers. We offer:

  • High Purity Grades: We provide Reagent Grade, USP/BP/EP (Pharmaceutical Grade), and Technical/Industrial Grade.
  • Global Logistics: Secure packaging that adheres to international HAZMAT shipping regulations.
  • Transparent Pricing: Competitive bulk pricing that beats standard distributor markups.

Related Chemicals: A Catalog of Essential Industrial Compounds

Below is a list of 50+ related chemicals frequently sourced alongside Ammonium Chloride. Prices are estimated based on market averages for industrial bulk quantities. Note: Prices fluctuate based on market conditions; please check ChemicalsSuppliers.com for real-time quotes.

No. Chemical Name CAS Number Typical Bulk Price (USD/kg)
1 Ammonium Sulfate 7783-20-2 $0.40 – $0.80
2 Ammonium Nitrate 6484-52-2 $0.50 – $0.90
3 Sodium Chloride (Purified) 7647-14-5 $0.30 – $0.70
4 Hydrochloric Acid 7647-01-0 $0.20 – $0.50
5 Zinc Chloride 7646-85-7 $1.20 – $2.50
6 Ammonium Carbonate 506-87-6 $1.50 – $3.00
7 Potassium Chloride 7447-40-7 $0.60 – $1.20
8 Ferric Chloride 7705-08-0 $0.80 – $1.80
[Full list continues on our website]

(To view the full list of 50+ chemicals, visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com/catalog)


Safety and Handling (MSDS/SDS Summary)

Ammonium chloride is classified as harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye irritation. Always adhere to the following safety protocols:

  • Protective Gear: Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
  • Storage: Keep in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. Protect from moisture.
  • Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations. Never pour concentrated chemical waste down the drain.

For more information, refer to PubChem’s safety documentation.


Global Linguistic Context: How to find Ammonium Chloride worldwide

International trade relies on knowing the correct terminology across different languages. If you are sourcing globally, use these keywords:

  • Hindi: अमोनियम क्लोराइड (Ammonium Chloride)
  • Spanish: Cloruro de amonio
  • Arabic: كلوريد الأمونيوم
  • French: Chlorure d’ammonium
  • German: Ammoniumchlorid
  • Chinese: 氯化铵 (Lǜhuà ǎn)
  • Japanese: 塩化アンモニウム (Enka anmoniumu)
  • Russian: Хлорид аммония
  • Portuguese: Cloreto de amônio
  • Korean: 염화 암모늄
  • Bengali: অ্যামোনিয়াম ক্লোরাইড
  • Turkish: Amonyum klorür
  • Indonesian: Amonium klorida
  • Vietnamese: Amoni clorua

Conclusion

Ammonium chloride remains a cornerstone of modern chemistry. Whether it is improving crop yields, ensuring clean metal welds, or sustaining pharmaceutical formulations, its importance cannot be overstated. By choosing a reliable supplier like ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you ensure that your production lines remain efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Visit our website today to request a quote, view our latest technical data sheets, and speak with our chemical consultants about your specific requirements.


External Resources for Further Learning