Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate

Names
IUPAC name Ammonium carbonate
Other names Ammonia sesquicarbonate Baker's ammonia Diammonium carbonate E503 Sal volatile Salt of hartshorn
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES O=C(O)O.N.N
Properties
Chemical formula	(NH4)2CO3
Molar mass	96.09 g/mol
Appearance	White solid
Odor	Strong ammonia
Density	1.50 g/cm3
Melting point	58 °C (136 °F; 331 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point	Decomposes
Solubility in water	55.8 g/ml (0 °C) 100 g/ml (20 °C) Decomposes (58 °C)
Solubility	Insoluble in benzene, hexane
Hazards
Safety data sheet	ScienceCompany
Flash point	Non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds	Ammonium bicarbonate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Ammonium carbonate is a compound with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂CO₃.

Properties

Chemical

Ammonium carbonate decomposes when heated above 58 °C to ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor:

(NH₄)₂CO₃ → 2 NH₃ + H₂O + CO₃

Reaction with acids gives ammonium salt of said acid and releases carbon dioxide:

(NH₄)₂CO₃ + 2 HNO₃ → 2 NH₄NO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Physical

Ammonium carbonate is a white solid, with a strong odor of ammonia, soluble in water. It decomposes in hot water (>58 °C) releasing ammonia and carbon dioxide. It has a density of 1.50 g/cm³.

Availability

Ammonium carbonate is available as baker's ammonia in some food stores, though most will sell only ammonium bicarbonate.

It can also be purchased online. ScienceCompany will sell a 8 oz. (227 g) bottle at 9.95 $.

Preparation

Ammonium carbonate can be prepared by bubbling ammonia through an aqueous solution of ammonium bicarbonate.

NH₄HCO₃ + NH₃ → (NH₄)₂CO₃

Projects

• Make ammonium salts
• Make ammonium carbamate
• Make ammonium bicarbonate

Handling

Safety

Ammonium carbonate gives off ammonia fumes, which are irritating and toxic if they build up in a closed environment. During hot summers, the decomposition is rapid.

Storage

Ammonium carbonate is best stored in closed containers and kept in cold places. To limit the ammonia gas released, you can store the carbonate in a resealable bag, which in turn can be placed in a container. Do not seal it completely, as ammonia pressure will slowly build up inside the bottle, and you will need to release it periodically.

Disposal

Ammonium bicarbonate can be neutralized with an acid and poured down the drain, or just poured down the drain, as it poses no danger to the environment.

Can also be simply poured in the ground, as it's a good (albeit less effective) nitrogen source for plants.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Making ammonium carbonate