Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)

NH4CL (Ammonium chloride)

NH4CL description, What is ammonium chloride?

NH4Cl is an inorganic compound with the chemical name of ammonium chloride. Its pure form, crystalline salt, is white. It is very soluble in water and easily forms a slightly acidic solution. The history of this dates back to the period of the 9th decade when Egyptian Arabs managed to discover this compound by burning camel dung.

It is colorless, odorless, and has a bitter, unpleasant taste. This compound, with a normal acidity level, dissolves easily in water. Its molecular weight reaches 53.5, and it typically appears as a solution in water, glycerin, and a small amount of alcohol. Additionally, its sublimation temperature stands at 350 degrees Celsius.

The history of the creation NH4CL

The first mention of NH4CL ammonium_chloride dates back to 554 AD in China. At that time, people produced it in two primary ways: from vents beneath burnt coal in Central Asia, particularly around the Tien Shan mountain range, which spans Xinjiang in northwestern China and Kyrgyzstan, and from the Alai mountain range in southwestern Kyrgyzstan. Alternatively, they obtained it from the smokestack of the Taftan volcano in southeastern IR.

Moreover, the term NH4CL ammonium chloride, or neshader, in several Asian languages actually derives from the IR word *anosh adur*, meaning eternal fire, which refers to underground fires. Subsequently, the compound traveled along the Silk Road, moving both eastward to China and westward to Muslim lands and Europe.

Furthermore, around 800 AD, Egyptian Arabs discovered neshadar in soot, a byproduct of burning camel dung. This new source eventually replaced the earlier sources found in Central Asia, highlighting the compound’s evolving history and usage.

How NH4CL is made?

Ammonium chloride NH4CL forms from the reaction of hydrochloric acid and ammonia, and it exists as both an organic compound and in its natural and mineral forms. The natural and mineral form of ammonium_chloride is called ammonia. People obtain its mineral type from the incomplete burning of coal, the condensation of gases derived from it, and some volcanic activity. This mineral ammonium chloride is known as sal ammoniac.

Additionally, ammonium chloride serves as one of the byproducts in the production of sodium carbonate. Manufacturers can also prepare this compound on an industrial scale by reacting ammonia with hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride gas.

NH4CL Ammonium chloride in drilling mud

Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) is sometimes used in drilling operations as a clay stabilizer and shale inhibitor. When added to drilling mud, ammonium chloride can help prevent the swelling of clay particles, which can cause borehole instability and other problems.

Ammonium_chloride works by exchanging ions with the clay minerals in the formation, which reduces the ability of the clay to absorb water and swell. This, in turn, helps to prevent borehole collapse and improve wellbore stability.

In addition to its use as a clay stabilizer, ammonium chloride can also be used as a source of nitrogen in some drilling fluids. Nitrogen can help to reduce the density of the drilling fluid, which can be useful in certain formations where excessive pressure can cause problems.

Agriculture section

Ammonium chloride has many applications in agriculture and related industries. In fact, the most common use of this compound as a source of nitrogen lies in the production of agricultural fertilizers, including ammonium chloride phosphate. Notably, this application accounts for almost 90% of the ammonium chloride produced worldwide. Moreover, among the agricultural products cultivated and produced using this method are staple crops such as rice and wheat. Thus, ammonium chloride plays a crucial role in supporting global food production.

Industry and metalworking sector

Ammonium chloride is an important compound in the industrial sector and has many applications. One of its significant uses occurs in the metalworking industry. Specifically, this compound serves as a metal preparation flux to create a tin coating, galvanizing, or soldering. Furthermore, it effectively cleans the surface of the desired parts by reacting with metal oxides and forming an active metal chloride. As a result, ammonium chloride plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and durability of metal products.

NH4CL in Pharmaceutical industry

Ammonium chloride acts as a combined expectorant and diuretic. People usually use this combination in the preparation of cough syrups, where it stimulates the production of excess fluid in the respiratory tract and increases phlegm due to its irritating effect on the respiratory bronchial mucosa.

In addition, ammonium salts in this composition irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea and vomiting in individuals. In the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers use ammonium chloride as a systematic acidic agent to treat severe alkali metabolism and urinary tract disorders.

In veterinary medicine, veterinarians use this compound to prevent the formation of urinary stones in animals such as goats and cows.

Food industry

People use ammonium chloride in the food industry as a yeast and acidifying agent in baking. Additionally, this edible compound serves as cattle feed and a nutrient building material for yeasts and microorganisms. Moreover, it acts as a crunchy and flavoring agent in the production of sweets, cakes, industrial cookies, and some carbonated drinks.

Laboratory department

In the laboratory department, this combination is used in the cooling bath to create a low temperature.

The science of archeology

Another use of it is in archeology. The vapor of this compound is usually deposited on the fossils and a white layer of tiny and shiny crystals is produced which is safe.

Ammonium chloride in Battery industry

In the battery industry, ammonium chloride sees widespread use, particularly in the dry battery sector as an electrolyte. In the past, manufacturers used these batteries commercially as local batteries in customers’ facilities. Today, people recognize these batteries as carbon zinc batteries, yet ammonium chloride continues to play a crucial role as an electrolyte.

Other uses of ammonium chloride

In the electronic industry, the organic composition of ammonium chloride serves as an engraver in the manufacture of printed circuits and aids in soldering. Additionally, people use it as a dye in the textile and leather industries. This compound also plays a role in fireworks and finds use in electroplating.

When it comes to safety, people must follow specific measures while working with ammonium chloride. In case of contact with the eyes, keep the eyes open and wash with water, and make sure to see an eye doctor. For skin contact, wash your body thoroughly and change any stained clothes. If someone ingests it, they should drink plenty of water and induce vomiting before seeing a doctor. Additionally, it is best to use this compound in open air to prevent respiratory damage.

Side effects

In addition to all the uses of it in different industries, all safety signs must be observed when using it. In case of contact with the skin and eyes, severe burns will occur, and in case of contact with water, wash it off and consult a doctor. Swallowing ammonium chloride causes serious damage to the stomach lining. Therefore, a person should immediately drink a few glasses of water and induce vomiting. To prevent the risks and side effects associated with ammonium chloride, it is essential to observe safety measures while working with this compound. In addition, individuals should wear gloves and masks to protect themselves. Moreover, using ammonium chloride in an open space further reduces potential hazards. By taking these precautions, one can work safely with this compound.

Some of the major ammonium chloride exporting countries include

1. China
2. India
3. South Korea
4. Japan
5. Germany
6. United States
7. Netherlands
8. Russia
9. Belgium
10. United Kingdom
11. Turkey
12. UAE(Dubai)

Packing

It can be loaded in container and trucks to anywhere of the world in 25 kg bags and jumbo bags.