The name of NH4Cl is Ammonium chloride.
Ammonium chloride is a well-known inorganic chemical compound with a distinctive role across various industries. It is recognized by its chemical formula NH4Cl, which can also be written as [NH4]Cl, highlighting its ionic composition.
Chemical Identity and Naming
As per the provided reference, Ammonium chloride is the accepted and widely used name for the compound with the chemical formula NH4Cl. This name clearly indicates its composition: an ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) bonded with a chloride ion (Cl⁻).
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ammonium chloride |
| Chemical Formula | NH4Cl |
| Alternative Form | [NH4]Cl |
| Nature | Inorganic chemical compound |
| Date of Reference | 27-May-2021 |
Key Characteristics and Properties
Ammonium chloride typically appears as a white crystalline salt, highly soluble in water. It is known for its slightly acidic properties when dissolved in water due to the hydrolysis of the ammonium ion.
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- Odor: Odorless
- Taste: Saline, slightly bitter
- Sublimation: It sublimes upon heating, meaning it changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase.
Common Uses and Applications
Ammonium chloride is a versatile compound utilized in a wide array of applications due to its unique chemical properties. Its practical insights include:
- Agriculture: A significant component in fertilizers, providing a source of nitrogen for plant growth.
- Manufacturing:
- Used as a flux in preparing metals for coating with tin or zinc in the process of galvanizing.
- An electrolyte in dry cells (carbon-zinc batteries).
- Medical Applications: Historically used as an expectorant in cough medicines due to its irritant action on bronchial mucosa, helping to clear airways.
- Food Industry: As a food additive (E510) in some countries, it acts as a leavening agent and acidity regulator, particularly in certain types of bread and confectionery.
- Laboratory Use: Employed in various chemical reactions and laboratory settings as a source of ammonium ions.
These diverse applications underscore the importance of Ammonium chloride in both industrial and everyday contexts.
