Azodicarbonamide is a synthetic chemical that exists at ambient temperature as a yellow-orange crystalline solid. Azodicarbonamide is mainly used as a blowing agent in the rubber and plastics industries in the expansion of a wide range of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, and natural/synthetic rubbers. Azodicarbonamide is also used as a food additive, such as an aging and bleaching ingredient in cereal flour and as a dough conditioner in bread baking.
[1] https://www.fda.gov
[2] http://www.who.int
[3] C. D. Han, Y. W. Kim and K. D. Malhotra, A study of foam extrusion using a chemical blowing agent , Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 1976, vol. 20, 1583-1595
orange crystalline powder
Azodicarbonamide is a dough conditioner that exists as a yellow to
orange-red crystalline powder practically insoluble in water. it is
used in aging and bleaching cereal flour to produce a more manage-
able dough and a lighter, more voluminous loaf of bread. it is used
in bread flours and bread as a dough conditioner. it can be used with
the oxidizing agent potassium bromate. a typical use level is less
than 45 ppm.
As blowing and foaming agent for plastics; as maturing and bleaching agent in cereal flour.
Azodicarboxamide is used as an additive to wheat flour breads and dough to improve the physical properties of the dough and the baking performance. It is also used to optimize the levels of oxidant/re
ducing agents in the baking of wheat flour.
ChEBI: Azodicarbonamide is an organic molecular entity.
A yellow to orange powder. Insoluble in water and common solvents. Soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide. Nontoxic.
Highly flammable. Water insoluble. Dust may form an explosive mixture in air.
Azodicarbonamide is easily ignited and burns rapidly. Confined samples show a high rate of pressure rise during thermal decomposition, which produces carbon monoxide and nitrogen. Sensitive to temperatures exceeding 122°F. May be sensitive to exposure to light. Stable in bulk when stored for two weeks at temperatures up to 140°F. Slightly unstable in water suspension (showed1.3% decomposition at 2 mg/mL over a two-week period at room temperature in the light but no decomposition at 41°F over a two-week period in the dark . Reacts with hot water to give nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and ammonia [Hawley]. Decomposes in hot hydrochloric acid. Incompatible with strong acids and bases, and with compounds of metals.
Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May burn violently. Decomposition may be self-accelerating and produce large amounts of gases. Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Flammable solid. When
heated to decomposition it emits toxic
fumes of NOx.
