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Ammonium Carbonate

Ammonium carbonate, commonly referred to as baker's ammonia, is a salt employed both as a leavening agent and as smelling salts. It served as a forerunner to contemporary leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder.

Synonyms
diammonium carbonate, E503i, baker's ammonia, salt of hartshorn
Chemical Formula
(NH4)2CO3
CAS Number
10361-29-2

Characteristics

Molar Weight
96.09 g/mol
Melting Point
58°C
Forms
Powder, White, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Photographic supplies
  • Baking
  • Medicines
  • Tobacco additive
  • Acidifying agent
  • Pharmaceuticals

General information about Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate, also known as staghorn salt, does not occur in its pure form in nature. It is an artificially produced salt that is mainly used as a leavening agent in the food industry.

Properties of ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate is a colourless solid with an ammonia-like odour that forms crystals. It is highly soluble in water and hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs water from the environment. Ammonium carbonate decomposes completely into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water when exposed to temperatures above 58 °C.

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Ammonium carbonate in the cosmetics industry

Ammonium carbonate is mainly used in the cosmetics industry as a pH regulator and propellant. It adjusts or stabilises the pH value of cosmetic formulations such as skin creams and lotions.

Ammonium carbonate is used as a propellant in products such as bath salts. It reacts with acids and releases carbon dioxide, which leads to popular bubbling effects in bath water. Ammonium carbonate acts as a foaming agent in shampoos and hair colourants.

The salt is also contained in some exfoliating products to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin.
Portrait of a housekeeper cleaning the kitchens counter at home and looking happy

Ammonium carbonate in the cleaning industry

The use of ammonium carbonate in the cleaning industry utilises its ability to break down organic materials and influence the pH value. In all-purpose cleaners, the salt removes dirt, grease and other deposits from various surfaces such as floors, worktops and walls. In oven cleaners it dissolves burnt-in residues, in glass cleaners ammonium carbonate removes dirt and grease from glass surfaces without leaving streaks.

In carpet and upholstery cleaners, ammonium carbonate eliminates stains and odours. Odours are not simply masked, but chemically bound and neutralised.

In industrial cleaning applications, ammonium carbonate is used to remove deposits and impurities that can accumulate during the production process from machinery and equipment.
Close-Up Of Syringes On Table

Ammonium carbonate in the pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical sector, ammonium carbonate helps with colds and bronchitis, for example: it is used as an expectorant in cough medicines and helps with easier coughing.

Ammonium carbonate is also used in so-called smelling salts, which are used to treat fainting spells or drowsiness. The strong ammonia gas that is released stimulates the respiratory tract and can help to restore consciousness.

Ammonium carbonate is used as an excipient in the production of medicines to improve the consistency and shape of tablets or capsules.

Other areas of application for ammonium carbonate

  • Ammonium carbonate is used as an additive in concrete and cement production; it improves the strength and durability of building materials. In special construction projects, ammonium carbonate is required for soil stabilisation. It is contained in some sealants and adhesives to improve adhesion and sealing properties. It acts as a blowing agent in certain foams and sealants.
  • Ammonium carbonate is authorised in the EU as a food additive (E 503i) and is used in the food industry as a leavening agent (staghorn salt).
  • In the tobacco industry, ammonium carbonate is added as an additive to neutralise irritating substances in tobacco smoke and reduce irritation of the throat and respiratory tract.
  • The salt is used in the photographic industry in the development and processing of photographic films and papers.