General Description
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 should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Used to make other ammonium compounds, in pharmaceuticals, in food processing.
Reactivity Profile
AMMONIUM CARBONATE(506-87-6) decomposes when heated to give gaseous ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide. Reaction is non-explosvie. Causes decomposition of sodium hypochlorite within a few seconds [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:550 1956].
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Hazard
Evolves irritating fumes when heated.
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Ingestion may cause gastric irritation. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.
Potential Exposure
It is used in dyeing, tanning, medicines,
fire extinguishers; to make casein glue; ammonia
salts; and baking powders. A laboratory reagent.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous
material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Acids, acid salts; salts of iron and zinc,
alkaloids, calomel and tartar emetic. Keep cool, below
38 C.
Contact with inorganic acids may form CO2, heat, and dangerous
spattering.
Waste Disposal
Slowly deposit in a large container
of water. Add excess amounts of soda ash and let
stand for 24 hours. Decant to another container, neutralize
with hydrochloric acid, and drain with an excess of water.
Ship to landfill.
Physical properties
Colorless or translucent hard crystalline mass or white cubic crystals or powder; sharp taste; odor of ammonia; decomposes at 58°C; slow decomposition at ambient temperatures; readily dissolves in cold water; decomposes in hot water; insoluble in liquid ammonia, alcohol and carbon disulfide.
Preparation
Ammonium carbonate is obtained by passing carbon dioxide into aqueous ammonia solution in a column or tower. Ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor are distilled and the vapors condensed into a solid crystalline mass. It also may be prepared by subliming a mixture of ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate.
Agricultural Uses
Ammonium carbonate, (NH4)2CO3, is an intermediate product formed during the synthesis of urea. Ammonium carbonate on decomposition yields urea and water.
