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
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.