- What are Ammonium Salts?
Ammonium salts are ionic compounds composed of ammonium ions (NH4+) and acid radical ions, generally obtained through the reaction of ammonia and acid. Ammonium salts have always been a chemical with a wide range of uses. Some ammonium salts have bactericidal and anti-mold and anti-moth properties. For example, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride can be used as a leveling agent for acrylic fibers. Some quaternary ammonium salts have a good softening effect on various fibers, can make the fibers swell and soft, have a beautiful and smooth appearance, and have a good hand feeling. They are a commonly used fiber softener. Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide is not only a bactericide, but also has a significant softening effect on cotton, wool and synthetic fabrics. Quaternary ammonium salts can also be used as waterproofing agent, retarding agent, petroleum demulsifier, etc.
- Properties of Ammonium Salts
- Physical properties of ammonium salts
Ammonium salts are compounds composed of ammonium ions and acid anions. Many ammonium salts are white crystals and are easily soluble in water.
- Chemical properties of ammonium salts
①Certain degree of hydrolysis.
NH4++H2O== NH3•H2O+H+
②Thermal decomposition
Ammonium salts can be decomposed after heating, and the decomposition products are related to the corresponding acid and the heating temperature. Decomposition products are generally ammonia and the corresponding acids. If the acid is oxidizing, the oxidizing acid and the product ammonia will further react under heating conditions to oxidize NH3. For example, the decomposition temperature of ammonium bicarbonate is 30°C. Ammonium chloride is decomposed into ammonia and hydrogen chloride when heated, and these two gases can be combined into ammonium chloride when they meet in a cold place. The thermal decomposition products of ammonium nitrate vary with temperature. When the heating temperature is low, it decomposes to generate nitric acid and ammonia. When the temperature is higher, the product is different again. Ammonium sulfate decomposes into NH3 and corresponding sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid at a higher temperature. When it is heated strongly, it is also accompanied by the side reaction of ammonia being oxidized by sulfuric acid to generate more complex products.
③Reaction with base
In the laboratory, this reaction is used to prepare ammonia, and this property is also used to test the existence of ammonium ions. Ammonium salts have important uses in industrial and agricultural production, and a large amount of ammonium salts are used as nitrogen fertilizers, such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, etc.
- Ammonium Salt Uses
- Industrial uses of ammonium salts
Ammonium salt is a versatile compound that can be used for various industrial purposes such as fertilizers, disinfectants, industrial products, food additives, animal nutrients, etc. It can effectively promote the growth and development of plants and animals, improve the ecological environment, and enhance the nutritional value of food.
- Agricultural uses of ammonium salts
One of the main uses of ammonium salts is as an additive in fertilizers, which can enhance soil microbial activity and provide nitrogen nutrition for plants, promoting their growth and development. It can also alleviate heavy metal pollution, promote vegetation growth, and improve ecosystems.
- Medical uses of ammonium salts
Ammonium salt is a commonly used disinfectant raw material. This disinfectant is mainly used in the medical and health field, and can be used to disinfect medical equipment, clean operating rooms, disinfect wards, disinfect doors and windows, etc., effectively preventing the spread of bacteria.
- Household uses of ammonium salts
Ammonium salts can also be used as disinfectants and cleaning agents for writers, such as ammonium chloride for disinfecting water pools, and ammonium nitrate for cleaning dust and dirt.
- Common hydrogen carbonate
- Properties of ammonium chloride: structure, melting point, solubility
Ammonium chloride is one of the important ammonium salts. The structure of ammonium chloride is NH4Cl. The melting point is 662 °F and is soluble in water (37%). It can be used in the dye industry and agriculture; and used in dry batteries, electroplating, plastics, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries. It is also used in metal welding to remove the thin oxide layer on the metal surface.
