[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ammonium carbonate, is the nature of ammonium carbonate stable?

Ammonium Carbonate Properties

Ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3), an inorganic compound with a white crystalline or powdery appearance, is easily soluble in water but hardly soluble in ethanol. Its chemical properties are more active, thermal decomposition into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, ammonium carbonate has good stability at room temperature, but is easily decomposed at high temperature. Its decomposition reaction is (NH4)2CO3 → 2NH3 CO2 H2O. Ammonium carbonate has a certain volatility, and will gradually lose ammonia and carbon dioxide in the air, and eventually convert to a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium hydroxide.

Ammonium Carbonate Uses

Ammonium carbonate is widely used in many industries. In agriculture, ammonium carbonate is used as a fertilizer to provide nitrogen and carbon dioxide needed by plants, helping to improve the yield and quality of crops. In the food industry, ammonium carbonate is used as a foaming agent and a leavening agent, especially in the production of bread, biscuits and other bakery products. In the pharmaceutical industry, ammonium carbonate is used in the production of some drugs, especially in the manufacture of cough syrups, because it can promote the discharge of sputum. In industrial production, ammonium carbonate is used in the manufacture of pigments, catalysts and other chemicals, and even in the printing and dyeing industry.

Ammonium carbonate upstream feedstock

The main raw materials for the production of ammonium carbonate include ammonia and carbon dioxide. Ammonia (NH3) is usually synthesized from nitrogen and hydrogen by the Haber process, while carbon dioxide (CO2) can be recovered from the combustion process of natural gas, oil, coal and other fuels. In some chemical plants, carbon dioxide can also be obtained by the calcination process of limestone (CaCO3). Ammonium carbonate can be produced by the reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide: 2NH3 + CO2 + H2O → (NH4 +) 2CO3.

Ammonium carbonate downstream products

The downstream products of ammonium carbonate involve several industries and applications. As an important chemical intermediate, ammonium carbonate is used in the production of other chemicals, such as ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium nitrate. In the food industry, ammonium carbonate as a foaming agent and leavening agent, directly affects the quality and taste of food. In agriculture, ammonium carbonate is used to produce compound fertilizer, which improves the yield and nutritional value of crops. Ammonium carbonate is also widely used in pharmaceutical and industrial production, providing important chemical raw materials and auxiliary materials for these fields.

Ammonium carbonate storage method

Due to the volatile and decomposable nature of ammonium carbonate, its storage method requires special attention. Ammonium carbonate should be stored in a dry, ventilated and cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment to prevent its decomposition and failure. Ammonium carbonate should be sealed to prevent contact with moisture and carbon dioxide in the air to maintain its chemical stability. Storage areas should be kept away from acids, as ammonium carbonate reacts chemically with acid to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide, which may lead to safety hazards. During storage and transportation, heavy pressure and friction should be avoided to prevent ammonium carbonate from caking or crushing to ensure its quality and use effect.

Ammonium carbonate safety and environmental protection

Ammonium carbonate requires attention to safety during use and handling. Although ammonium carbonate itself is less toxic, its decomposition product ammonia is irritating and may affect the respiratory system. Therefore, when handling ammonium carbonate, should wear protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles and masks, to avoid inhalation of ammonia and skin contact. Ammonium carbonate should avoid mixing with acidic substances to prevent chemical reactions. Waste ammonium carbonate shall be disposed in accordance with local environmental regulations to prevent environmental pollution.

Market Demand and Prospects

Ammonium carbonate market demand is affected by a variety of factors, including agricultural development, food industry demand and industrial production growth. As the global population grows and the demand for agricultural production increases, the demand for ammonium carbonate as a fertilizer is expected to continue to rise. The demand for leavening agents and foaming agents in the food industry will also drive the development of the ammonium carbonate market. In the context of environmental protection and sustainable development, the environmental characteristics of ammonium carbonate make its application in chemical production broad prospects. In the future, with the expansion of technological progress and application fields, the ammonium carbonate market is expected to maintain steady growth.

Summary

Ammonium carbonate, as an important inorganic chemical raw material, has a wide range of applications and important market value. Its production relies on raw materials such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, while its downstream products cover many fields such as agriculture, food, medicine and industry. In the process of storage and use, it is necessary to pay attention to its volatile and easily decomposed characteristics, and take corresponding safety and environmental protection measures. With the increase of market demand and the progress of technology, the application prospect of ammonium carbonate will be broader, providing important support for the development of various industries.