What is Ammonium acetate?
C2H7NO2 is an ammonium salt obtained by reacting ammonia with acetic acid. Its chemical name is Ammonium acetate. It is also called the spirit of Mindererus in its aqueous form or Azanium Acetate or ammonium ethanoate. It is widely used in chemical analysis, preserving foods, and in pharmaceuticals.
It is a white crystalline solid and has a slight acetous odour. It has a role as a food acidity regulator. It is an ammonium salt and an acetate salt.
Table of Contents
- Ammonium acetate structure – C2H7NO2
- Properties of Ammonium acetate – C2H7NO2
- Production of Ammonium acetate
- Ammonium acetate Reactions
- Health hazards
- Uses of Ammonium acetate – C2H7NO2
- FAQs
Ammonium acetate structure – C2H7NO2
Properties of Ammonium acetate – C2H7NO2
| C2H7NO2 | Ammonium acetate |
| Molecular weight of C2H7NO2 | 77.083 g/mol |
| Density of Ammonium acetate | 1.17 g/cm3 |
| Melting point of Ammonium acetate | 113 °C |
| Viscosity of Ammonium acetate | 21 |
Production of Ammonium acetate
Azanium Acetate is obtained in two methods viz
- By neutralizing acetic acid with ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3) or
- By saturating glacial acetic acid (CH3COOH) with ammonia (NH3).
Ammonium acetate Reactions
It functions as a precursor to acetamide. The reaction is as follows:
NH4CH3CO2 → CH3C(O)NH2 + H2O
Also, it is used as a diuretic.
Health hazards
Inhaling dust causes irritation in mouth and nose. Swallowing this compound irritates stomach and mouth. When it comes in contact with eyes and skin can cause rashes.
C2H7NO2 Uses (Ammonium acetate)
- Ammonium acetate is used in making explosives.
- Used in the manufacturing of vinyl plastics.
- Used in the preservation of meat.
- Used in analytical chemistry as a reagent.
- Used in agricultural products.
- Used in the manufacture of foam rubbers.
- Used as a de-icing agent.
- Used as a catalyst.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQS
What are the uses of ammonium acetate?
Ammonium acetate serves as the primary precursor to acetamide, an organic chemical compound whose systematic IUPAC name corresponds to ethanamide. Ammonium acetate is also widely used as a diuretic. Since it is the salt of a weak base and a weak acid, this compound, often in combination with acetic acid, is widely used in the preparation of buffer solutions (solutions that resist a change in pH when subjected to acidic or alkaline reagents). Ammonium acetate is also used as a de-icing agent. Owing to its biodegradable qualities, this compound, when used in de-icing agents, is considered by many to be environment friendly. It can be noted that this compound is also used as a catalyst in several named reactions in organic chemistry. Some such examples include the Borch reaction and the Knoevenagel condensation.
How is ammonium acetate prepared?
When acetic acid (systematic IUPAC name: ethanoic acid) is neutralized with ammonium carbonate, the resulting chemical reaction produces ammonium acetate as one of the products. Alternately, this compound can also be produced via the saturation of glacial acetic acid with ammonia (NH3). Owing to the hygroscopic nature of ammonium acetate, it is extremely difficult to obtain a crystalline form of this compound.
Comment on the solubility of ammonium acetate
Ammonium acetate is quite soluble in water. At a temperature of zero degrees celsius, the solubility of ammonium acetate in water corresponds to 1020 grams per litre. The solubility of this compound in water increases as the temperature is increased. For example, at a temperature of 80 degrees celsius, the solubility of this compound in water becomes 5330 grams per litre. It can be noted that ammonium acetate is also soluble in alcohol, liquid ammonia, and also acetone. This compound is also sparingly soluble in methanol and its solubility corresponds to 78.9 grams per litre at a temperature of 15 degrees celsius.
Is ammonium acetate dangerous?
Ammonium acetate is not a dangerous substance, but inhalation is harmful if inhaled and may cause respiratory tract irritation, skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin
Is ammonium acetate a buffer?
Dissolution of ammonium acetate salt in water results in pH 7, but this pH is highly labile. Ammonium acetate does provide buffering around pH 4.75
Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of C2H7NO2 from the experts at BYJU’S.
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