Uses of Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium chloride, chemical formula NH4Cl, is an important chemical colloquially known as sal ammoniac or salmiak salt. Ammonium chloride is a white solid with no discernible odor. While it is insoluble in organic solvents and partially soluble in acetone, it basically completely dissolves in water, glycerol, ethanol, and methanol. These properties make industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem’s ammonium chloride an ideal chemical across myriad industries.
Fertilizer
Almost 90% of all ammonium chloride produced is used in fertilizers since it is an outstanding source of nitrogen and chlorine, which stimulate plant leaf growth. Plants deficient in ammonium chloride display yellow or brown leaves and stunted growth. Studies have proven ammonium chloride can increase crop yield 40%, and the addition of this important chemical may also inhibit specific plant diseases.
Medical Uses
Ammonium chloride has varied medical uses, from helping people to helping animals. Here are some of the ways the medical industry benefits from this chemical:
The body naturally produces ammonia, but if it becomes deficient, homeostasis is thrown off balance, and escalating pH levels are liable to fluctuate to unsafe conditions. Medical professionals are able to prescribe ammonium chloride to correct this deficiency.
Cough medicines are categorized as either cough suppressants (which keep individuals from coughing) or expectorants (which stimulate a cough response to loosen and remove phlegm). Ammonium chloride is an ingredient in expectorants to quickly remove unwanted material from the lungs and bronchial tubes.
Cooling baths are used in the medical field, in industrial biochemical settings, and in research laboratories. With a calculated ammonium chloride-to-water ratio, these baths are able to maintain a constant lowered temperature for industries (such as metallurgy), labs, and medical devices.
Veterinarians turn to ammonium chloride as a supplement for sheep, goats, and cattle. These animals have a propensity to urinary stones that can be prevented with supplements of ammonium chloride added to feed.
Metal Items
In order for metals to be coated with tin, soldered, or galvanized, the surfaces must be clear of contaminants, including metal oxides. Ammonium chloride added as a flux in metal preparation performs this task. Dry cell batteries – those used in everyday electronics – often rely on ammonium chloride as an electrolyte to move negative charges across terminals.
In the Lab
Both labs and bakeries find ammonium chloride ideal as a growth medium to feed yeast. Labs also use ammonium chloride as a nutrient for bacterial growth in agar plates.
With so many varied tasks, it is no wonder ammonium chloride is such a popular chemical across the world. You can find ammonium chloride and many other important chemicals and ingredients at Bell Chem. Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including ammonium chloride. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.