Its chemical formula is 

​

It consists of two ammonium ions 

and one carbonate ion 

Physical Properties

Appearance: It is generally a white crystalline solid or powder.

Solubility: Ammonium carbonate is soluble in water. Solubility increases at an elevated temperature.

Melting Point: It decomposes around 58 °C (136 °F) instead of melting.

Density: The density of ammonium carbonate is about 1.58 g/cm³.

Odor: It has a very mild smell of ammonia that becomes stronger on decomposition.

Taste: Ammonium carbonate has an intensely alkaline taste.

pH: It exhibits a weakly basic pH in solution.

Chemical properties

Decomposition: Ammonium carbonate decomposes on heating to produce ammonia gas, water, and carbon dioxide

Reactions with Acids: Ammonium carbonate reacts with concentrated acids to produce carbon dioxide, water, and the corresponding ammonium salt:

Complexes: It can form complexes with metal ions which might be useful in a variety of chemical reactions

Basic Properties: In aqueous solutions, it may behave as a weak base by neutralizing acids.

Carbonate Behaviour: It is a carbonate compound, so it might be anticipated to behave like a typical carbonate. Thus, in aqueous solution or exposed to a weak acid, it might be anticipated to form a bicarbonate.

Application

Bakery: It is primarily used as a leavening agent in the preparation of baked products, like biscuits and crisps. When heated it decomposes to produce gas that causes dough to rise.

Food Preparations: Apart from baking, it can be mixed with many foods as stabilizer or acidity regulator.

Chemical Manufacture: Ammonium carbonate works as a source of ammonia in the manufacture of various ammonium compounds and fertilizers.

Pharmaceuticals: It is present in some drugs, primarily as a weak expectorant in cough preparations.

Detergents: Due to its inherent characteristics, it has some uses in detergents and serves as a pH buffer in certain compositions.

Dyes and Textiles: Ammonium carbonate is used as a fixative in the process of dyeing and for producing textiles.

Laboratory Reagent: It is a laboratory reagent for many chemical reactions which are carried out with ammonium salts.

Fire Extinguishers: It is used in some applications of fire extinguishing agents.

Conclusion

Ammonium carbonate is a versatile compound applied to various fields. It is used as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in agriculture. The food industry applies the ammonium carbonate as a leavening agent to be used in baking. It is used as an ingredient for pharmaceuticals and industrial applications such as metal treatment among others. Its various applications only prove its significance, and continuing demand could serve as a springboard for further innovations for its application.

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