Properties of Ammonium Chloride

• Physical State: Ammonium chloride is a white crystalline solid at room temperature.
• Solubility: It is highly soluble in water.
• Odor: It has a characteristic sharp, acidic odor.
• pH: Aqueous solutions of ammonium chloride are slightly acidic.
• Sublimation: When heated, it undergoes sublimation, meaning it transitions directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

Uses of Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium chloride has several important applications:

1. Ammonium Chloride in Agriculture: It is used as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, particularly in rice paddies.
2. Ammonium Chloride in Medicine: It is used in cough medicines as an expectorant to help clear the respiratory system.
3. Ammonium Chloride in Laboratory: It is used in the laboratory as a reagent in various chemical reactions.
4. Ammonium Chloride in Food: It is used as a food additive, particularly in licorice candy, to provide a salty taste.
5. Ammonium Chloride in Batteries: It is used in some types of batteries as an electrolyte.

Chemical Reactions involving Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium chloride can participate in several chemical reactions:

1. Reaction with Strong Bases: When treated with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium chloride undergoes a reaction to produce ammonia, water, and sodium chloride.
2. Sublimation: When heated, solid ammonium chloride directly sublimes into ammonia and hydrogen chloride gases.
3. Reaction with Metal Carbonates: When reacted with metal carbonates, such as calcium carbonate, it forms the corresponding metal chloride, carbon dioxide, and water.

Study Guide for Ammonium Chloride

When studying ammonium chloride, it is important to focus on the following key points:

1. Understanding the chemical formula and the composition of ammonium chloride.
2. Recognizing the physical properties of ammonium chloride, such as its appearance, odor, and solubility.
3. Understanding the various uses of ammonium chloride in agriculture, medicine, laboratory, and industry.
4. Exploring the chemical reactions involving ammonium chloride, including its sublimation and reactions with other chemical compounds.

By mastering these concepts, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the properties and applications of ammonium chloride.