Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a high-purity inorganic compound, typically presented as white crystalline powder or small crystals. Also known as sal ammoniac, it boasts stable chemical properties and versatile applications across multiple industrial sectors, making it a critical material for diverse manufacturing processes.

Key Specifications

With a molar mass of 53.49 g/mol and density of 1.527 g/cm³ (20°C), ammonium chloride features unique physical characteristics that underpin its industrial utility. It has a melting point of approximately 338°C and undergoes sublimation above 340°C— a property widely leveraged in specialized manufacturing. Highly soluble in water (37.2 g/100 mL at 20°C), its endothermic dissolution and acidic aqueous solution (resulting from ammonium ion hydrolysis) further expand its application scope. The compound is slightly soluble in ethanol and insoluble in acetone, ether, and other organic solvents.

Industrial Applications

Leveraging its unique properties, ammonium chloride serves as a core material across key industries:
Agriculture: A high-efficiency nitrogen fertilizer ideal for rice, wheat, and cotton. It delivers readily absorbable ammonium ions to support plant growth, with application guidelines tailored to avoid chloride sensitivity in specific crops and alkaline soils.
Manufacturing & Metallurgy: Used as a flux in metal welding/soldering to remove surface oxide films, enhancing solder wettability and bond strength. Also serves as an electrolyte component in dry cell batteries, a mordant in dyeing/printing, and a pH-adjusting pickling agent in leather tanning.
Food & Pharmaceutical: Approved as food additive E510, it acts as a flavor enhancer (e.g., in licorice candies) and yeast nutrient in baking. In pharmaceuticals, it functions as an expectorant and urinary acidifier, adhering to strict purity standards for healthcare applications.
Water Treatment & Lab Services: Utilized in water treatment for pH adjustment and impurity removal. Also serves as a reliable reagent in laboratory ammonia preparation, pH control, and chemical analysis.