Specification
Description
Ammonium carbonate is a salt with the chemical formula (NH4)2CO3. Commercial samples labelled ammonium carbonate no longer contain this compound, but a mixture that has similar ammonia content. Since it readily degrades to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide upon heating, it is used as a leavening agent and also as smelling salt. It is also known as baker’s ammonia and was a predecessor to the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking powder. It is a component of what was formerly known as sal volatile and salt of hartshorn.
Synonyms
crystalammonia;diammoniumcarbonate;hartshorn;HARTSHORN SALT;AMMONIU BICARBONATE
IUPAC Name
azane; carbonic acid
Canonical SMILES
C(=O)([O-])[O-].[NH4+].[NH4+]
InChI Key
ATRRKUHOCOJYRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Boiling Point
333.6ºC at 760 mmHg
Hazard Statements
Xn: Harmful;
Safety Description
S24/25
Stability
Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions. May decompose on exposure to air.
Storage Conditions
Store at RT.