Ammonium carbonate
Ammonium carbonate, also known as baker's ammonia or sal volatile, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is (NH4)2CO3. It contains ammonium and carbonate ions.
about[change | change source]
Ammonium carbonate is a white solid. It dissolves in water. It reacts with acids to make an ammonium salt and carbon dioxide. It has a slight smell of ammonia. It reacts with bases to make ammonia gas.
Preparation[change | change source]
Ammonium carbonate is made by reacting ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and calcium carbonate in a furnace. The ammonium carbonate is exposed to air to decompose any bicarbonate and then is sold. It can also be made by reacting carbon dioxide with ammonia.
Uses[change | change source]
It is used to make bread rise. It can also be used in cough syrup.