Description
| Parameter | Attribute |
| Ammonium bicarbonate | Ammonium bicarbonate, baking powder, ammonia bicarbonate, ammonium hidrocarbonate, hartshorn, AmBic, baking ammonia powder |
| Formula | (NH4)HCO3 |
| Structure |   |
| IUPAC | Ammonia hydrogen carbonate |
| INCI | AMMONIUM BICARBONATE |
| CAS | 1066-33-7 |
| Molar mass | 79.056 g/mol |
| Density | 1.586 g/cm3 |
| Solubility | 11.9 g/100 mL (0 °C)
21.6 g/100 mL (20 °C) 24.8 g/100 mL (25 °C) 36.6 g/100 mL (40 °C) |
Ammonium bicarbonate is an inorganic compound of the formula (NH4)HCO3, simplified to NH5CO3. The compound has many names reflecting its long history. Chemically speaking, it is the salt of ammonium ion bicarbonate. It is a colorless solid that readily decomposes to carbon dioxide, water and ammonia.
In confectionery. One of the main uses of ammonium bicarbonate is in the production of baking powder. Ammonium bicarbonate mixed with dough reacts with the acid in the dough to form carbon dioxide, which raises the dough. At the same time, the acidity of the dough is reduced by neutralizing the acid. If there is no acid in the dough, the acid is caused by the thermal decomposition of the ammonium bicarbonate, which produces carbon dioxide, which raises the dough. The baking powder on sale contains up to 70 % ammonium bicarbonate, the rest being various acidic ingredients. Although there is a slight smell of ammonia during baking, it dissipates quickly without leaving a taste. In many cases, depending on the composition of the recipe and the requirements of the starter, it may be replaced by baking soda or baking powder or a combination thereof. Compared to baking soda or potassium bicarbonate, it has the advantage of producing more gas for the same amount of agent and of leaving no salty or soapy taste in the finished product, since it completely decomposes into water and gaseous products, which evaporate during the cooking process. However, it should not be used for moist, large baked goods such as regular bread or cakes, as the ammonia will be trapped inside and cause an unpleasant taste. Ammonium bicarbonate has been assigned E number E503 and is authorized for use as a food additive in the European Union.
In horticulture and agriculture, ammonium bicarbonate is used as a basic nitrogen fertilizer, which is suitable for alkaline-loving plants. Its popularity is declining due to the increasing use of urea, which has a higher nitrogen content. In this case, ammonium bicarbonate is used to provide nitrogen in its most mobile form (ammonium ion).
In livestock farming, ammonium bicarbonate can be used to treat flatulence and diarrhoea in livestock. It can also be used as a feed additive to feed nitrogen and to stimulate the growth of rumen bacteria, thus regulating feed fermentation to maximum limits. Indicative doses used are 0.3-1 g.
In aquaculture or fishing, ammonium bicarbonate is used in feed and/or bait to influence fish activity.
In water treatment If the alkalinity of a body of water (aquarium, swimming pool, garden pond, etc.) needs to be increased, ammonium bicarbonate can be used. It is commonly used for the dual purpose of both alkalinity and nitrogen enrichment, and is therefore more popular in planted aquariums. It is not recommended if the alkalinity is already high.
In cosmetics, ammonium bicarbonate is used as a buffer, i.e. as an additive that regulates the pH of cosmetic products and prevents them from changing. In this case, it is ideal when the intended product medium is slightly alkaline. In the presence of acidic water or other acidic impurities, ammonium bicarbonate reacts to neutralize the acids and keep the medium alkaline.
In metalworking, it is used in surface treatments after acidic reactions. In the metal refining process, ammonium bicarbonate is used to neutralize acids after treatment of metal ores with them. Metal surfaces can also be rinsed with ammonium bicarbonate solution after acid washing, oxide removal, electrolysis or other types of treatment to change the pH of the surface to a pH favorable to the metal and thus stop and/or reduce corrosion.
In fire extinguishers. Ammonium bicarbonate can be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires. Sprayed ammonium bicarbonate, when heated, releases carbon dioxide which removes oxygen and suppresses the fire. However, it should not be used to extinguish fires in deep fat fryers, as the sudden release of the gas may cause the hot fat to sputter. Sodium bicarbonate is used in BC dry chemical extinguishers as an alternative to the more corrosive diammonium phosphate in ABC extinguishers. º
In the neutralization of acids and bases. Ammonium bicarbonate is an amphoteric compound that reacts with acids and bases. It reacts violently with acids, releasing CO2 gas as a reaction product. It is commonly used to neutralize unwanted acid solutions or acid spills in chemical laboratories.
In medicine. ammonium bicarbonate mixed with water can be used as an antacid to treat acid reflux and heartburn. It reacts with stomach acid to produce salt, water and carbon dioxide. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is an aqueous solution that is sometimes used to treat acidosis or when there is insufficient ammonium or bicarbonate ions in the blood. Ammonium bicarbonate is used as an ingredient in expectorants.
In personal hygiene. Used in toothpastes to improve the whitening effect of teeth. Ammonium bicarbonate is also used as an ingredient in mouthwashes. Due to its abrasive properties, it acts as a mechanical cleanser of the teeth and gums, neutralizes the formation of acid in the mouth, and also acts as an antiseptic, helping to prevent infections. Ammonium bicarbonate can be used in combination with other ingredients to make a dry or wet deodorant. Together with table salt, it can be used as a buffer solution for nasal irrigation.
In cleaning products. Used to remove paint and corrosion products. Particularly suitable for cleaning aluminium plates, as other types of abrasives may distort them. When mixed with a minimum amount of cold water, the resulting paste can be used for effective rust removal. The use of warm water is not recommended as it may cause further corrosion of the metal. Mixing with warm water and the use of aluminium foil can remove the silver oxide film formed on silver jewellery. It is used as a water softener in washing machines and removes unpleasant odors from laundry.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.