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Ammonium Carbonate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

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Ammonium Carbonate contains both Ammonia (NH3) and Carbonate (CO3) ions. Ammonium ion contains both Nitrogen (N) and Hydrogen (H) atoms. Nitrogen (N) is a non-metal with atomic number 7 in its periodic table. Hydrogen (H) is a chemical element that has atomic number 1 in the periodic table. Carbonate ion contained both Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) atoms in it. Carbon (C) is a chemical element, and the atomic number is 6 in the periodic table Oxygen (O) is the chemical element with an atomic number 8 in the periodic table. 

Ammonium Carbonate Formula 

Ammonium Carbonate is a chemical compound that contains Ammonium ion and Carbonate ion. The chemical formula for Ammonium Carbonate is (NH4)2CO3. It is a colorless crystalline or white powder compound. It has a more strong odor of ammonia. It is soluble in water. It is also known as Baker’s Ammonia or diammonium salt. It is a non-combustible compound. 

Structure of Ammonium Carbonate

Ammonium-carbonate

 

Preparation of Ammonium Carbonate

We can prepare Ammonium Carbonate by combining aqueous Ammonia (NH3) and Carbon dioxide (CO2).

NH3 + CO2 + H2O ⇢ (NH4)2CO3.

Physical Properties of Ammonium Carbonate

  • The Molecular weight of Ammonium Carbonate is 96.09 g/mol.
  • The Density of Ammonium Carbonate is 1.50 g/cm3.
  • The Melting point of Ammonium Carbonate is 58 °C.
  • It is soluble in water.
  • It has a pH of 8.6.

Chemical Properties of Ammonium Carbonate

  • When ammonium Carbonate is reacted with water, we get 

(NH4)2CO3 + H2O ⇢ 2NH+4 + CO32-

  • Ammonium carbonate can react with acids and bases, and when it is reacted with an acid, we get ammonium salt and carbon dioxide.

CaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3 → CaCO3 + 2NH4Cl.

  • When it is reacted with the base, we get ammonia gas.

(NH4)2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 NH3 + CaCO3 + 2H2O.

Decomposition of Ammonium Carbonate

Ammonium Carbonate has the capability to decompose into ammonium bicarbonate and ammonia.

(NH4)2CO3 → NH4HCO3 + NH3.

It further decomposes into carbon dioxide, water, and some other molecules of ammonia.

NH4HCO3 → H2O + CO2+ NH3.

Uses of Ammonium Carbonate

  • It is used as a leavening agent.
  • It can generate gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide when it is heated.
  • It is used in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.
  • It is used as a smelling salt.
  • It is used as a fire extinguisher.
  • It is used in baking powder.
  • It is used in ceramic and plastic industries.
  • It can also be used in rubber industries and also used to fix dyes for the fabrics.

Sample Questions on Ammonium Carbonate

Question 1: Does Ammonium Carbonate Decomposes?

Answer:

Ammonium Carbonate has the capability to decompose into the ammonium bicarbonate and ammonia.

(NH4)2CO3 → NH4HCO3 + NH3.

It further decomposes into the carbon dioxide, water and some other molecules of ammonia.

NH4HCO3→ H2O + CO2+ NH3.

Question 2: What are the health hazards of Ammonium Carbonate?

Answer: 

Health hazards of Ammonium Carbonate:

  • When it is inhaled it causes nose and throat irritation. 
  • It can also cause eye and skin irritation.
  • It can cause difficulty in breathing.
  • It can also cause gastric irritation.

Question 3: What happens when Ammonium Carbonate reacts with Sodium Chloride?

Answer:

When Ammonium Carbonate reacts with Sodium Chloride, we get Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) and Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl)

(NH4)2CO3 + 2NaCl → Na2CO3 + 2NH4Cl

Question 4: What happens when Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Barium Chloride?

Answer:

When Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Barium Chloride (BaCl2), we get Barium Carbonate (BaCO3) and Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl).

BaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3 → BaCO3 + 2NH4Cl.

Question 5: What happens when Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Sodium Hydroxide?

Answer:

When Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), we get Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3), Ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O).

(NH4)2CO3 + NaOH→ Na2CO3 + 2NH3 + 2H2O.

Question 6: What happens when Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Strontium Chloride?

Answer:

When Ammonium Carbonate is reacted with Strontium Chloride, we get Strontium Carbonate (SrCO3) and Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl).

SrCl2 + (NH4)2CO3→ SrCO3 + 2NH4Cl.



Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
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