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Ammonium carbonate

IUPAC: diazanium;carbonate

(NH4)2CO3 Salts CAS 506-87-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / Notation(NH4)2CO3
CAS Number506-87-6
Molecular Weight96.09
Melting Point58 °C (decomposes)
Density1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilitySoluble in water
AppearanceAmmonium carbonate appears as a colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia. Noncombustible. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps sho...
Also Known Asdiazanium;carbonate; 506-87-6; Diammonium carbonate; Carbonic acid, diammonium salt; Ammoniumcarbonat; Ammonium carbonicum; Ammonia sesquicarbonate; Carbonate d'ammoniaque; Carbonic acid, ammonium salt (1:2); Hartshorn
CategorySalts

What is Ammonium carbonate?

Ammonium carbonate is an ammonium salt that is the diammonium salt of carbonic acid. It has a role as a food acidity regulator and a raising agent. It is a carbonate salt and an ammonium salt.

Formula & Notation

(NH4)2CO3

IUPAC Name: diazanium;carbonate

Other Names / Synonyms: diazanium;carbonate; 506-87-6; Diammonium carbonate; Carbonic acid, diammonium salt; Ammoniumcarbonat; Ammonium carbonicum; Ammonia sesquicarbonate; Carbonate d'ammoniaque; Carbonic acid, ammonium salt (1:2); Hartshorn

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ammonium carbonate appears as a colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia. Noncombustible. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps sho.... Molecular formula: CH8N2O3. Molecular weight: 96.09 g/mol. Melting point: 58 °C (decomposes). Density: 1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Soluble in water.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point58 °C (decomposes)
Density1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight96.09
SolubilitySoluble in water
AppearanceAmmonium carbonate appears as a colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia. Noncombustible. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps sho...

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ammonium carbonate
Formula (NH4)2CO3
CAS Number 506-87-6
Molecular Weight 96.09
Category Salts
Synonyms diazanium;carbonate; 506-87-6; Diammonium carbonate; Carbonic acid, diammonium salt; Ammoniumcarbonat; Ammonium carbonicum; Ammonia sesquicarbonate; Carbonate d'ammoniaque; Carbonic acid, ammonium salt (1:2); Hartshorn

Frequently Asked Questions

Ammonium carbonate is an ammonium salt that is the diammonium salt of carbonic acid. It has a role as a food acidity regulator and a raising agent. It is a carbonate salt and an ammonium salt.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.