Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl) is a foundational inorganic compound renowned for its white crystalline appearance and high solubility in water. Comprising ammonium cations [NH4]+ and chloride anions Cl-, this salt is a vital chemical with a mildly acidic nature in solution. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is proud to present a comprehensive overview of this essential compound, highlighting its critical roles across various sectors.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Ammonium Chloride possesses a molecular formula of ClH4N and a molecular weight of 53.49150 g/mol. It appears as a white crystalline solid, often exhibiting hygroscopic properties. Its density ranges from 1.519 to 1.527 g/cm³, with a melting point of approximately 338 °C (640 °F) where it sublimes or, more accurately, reversibly decomposes into ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas. Solutions of Ammonium Chloride are mildly acidic, typically showing a pH between 4.0 and 6.0 for a 5% by mass solution. This compound is highly soluble in water, dissolving readily to form an endothermic solution, which means it absorbs heat from its surroundings, often utilized in cooling baths.

Industrial Production and Natural Occurrence
Commercially, Ammonium Chloride is predominantly produced as a by-product of the Solvay process, a key method for manufacturing sodium carbonate. It can also be synthesized by directly combining ammonia with hydrogen chloride gas or hydrochloric acid solution. Naturally, it occurs as the mineral salammoniac, frequently found near volcanic vents and and on burning coal dumps, where it condenses from coal-derived gases.

Diverse Applications Across Key Industries
The versatility of Ammonium Chloride makes it indispensable in numerous applications:

Agriculture: A Vital Nitrogen Source
The most significant application of Ammonium Chloride globally is its use as a nitrogen fertilizer, accounting for approximately 90% of its world production. With a nitrogen content ranging from 24% to 26%, it serves as a quick-acting physiological acid fertilizer. It is particularly effective for crops like wheat, rice, corn, and rapeseed, and notably benefits cotton and linen by enhancing fiber toughness and tensile strength, thereby improving overall quality. While beneficial, its tendency to acidify soil over time requires careful monitoring of soil pH, especially for chloride-sensitive plants.

Medicine: An Effective Expectorant
In the pharmaceutical sector, Ammonium Chloride is widely incorporated into cough medicines as an expectorant. Its action involves irritating the bronchial mucosa, which stimulates the production of excess respiratory tract fluid, making mucus easier to cough up. It also functions as a systemic acidifying agent, used in the treatment of severe metabolic alkalosis and in diagnostic tests for renal tubular acidosis, as well as to maintain an acidic urine pH for certain urinary tract disorders.

Metalwork: Essential Flux Agent
Ammonium Chloride is a crucial flux in metal preparation processes such as tin coating, galvanizing, and soldering. It functions by reacting with metal oxides on the surface of workpieces, forming volatile metal chlorides that effectively clean the surface and ensure a strong, corrosion-resistant bond. Blocks of Ammonium Chloride are commonly sold for cleaning soldering iron tips due to this property.

Food Industry and Beyond
Designated as E510, Ammonium Chloride serves as a food additive, primarily as a yeast nutrient in breadmaking and an acidifier. It is also a key ingredient in the distinctive flavor of salty liquorice, popular in Nordic countries and parts of Northern Europe. Beyond food, it finds application as an electrolyte in dry cell batteries, a component in plywood adhesives, a thickening agent in certain hair shampoos, and in the textile and leather industries for dyeing and tanning. In paleontology and archaeology, its vapor is used to coat specimens, creating a bright white, easily removable layer that enhances visual contrast for photographic documentation.

Sourcing High-Quality Ammonium Chloride
As a leading Ammonium Chloride manufacturer and supplier, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is committed to providing high-purity Ammonium Chloride that conforms to stringent industry standards. Our product consistently meets or exceeds specifications for content (≥99.5% on dry basis), low moisture (≤0.5%), minimal heavy metals (≤0.0005% as Pb), and controlled pH (4.0-5.8). For competitive Ammonium Chloride price and reliable supply, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers a seamless process to buy Ammonium Chloride for your specific industrial and agricultural needs. We ensure optimal storage conditions in ventilated, low-temperature, and dry warehouses to maintain product integrity and stability, guaranteeing a consistent and high-quality raw material for all our clients.