Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium Chloride is also known as hydrogen chloride. It is a by-product of sodium carbonate. It has diuretic and expectorant effects. In its pure form, it is crystalline salt, white in colour. This compound is highly water-soluble and mildly acidic. It is used in veterinary medicine in the prevention of urinary stones in sheep, goats, and cattle. When ammonium sulfate and NaCl solutions react, NH4Cl is produced. 

NH4Cl is an inorganic compound with chemical name Ammonium Chloride.

When heated, ammonium chloride undergoes a decomposition reaction to yield ammonia and gaseous hydrogen chloride as the products.

Uses :

  • It is used in fertilizers as a nitrogen source.
  • It is used in medicine (especially in cough medicine) as an expectorant.
  • It is used in glue which helps to bond plywood.
  • It is used in Leclanche cells in aqueous solutions.
  • It is used in food additives – in bread making as a yeast nutrient.
  • It is used as an acidifier.
  • It is used in cooling baths to create low temperatures.
  • They are used as buffer solutions along with ammonia.
  • It is given to cattle as feed supplements.