Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)
Ammonium chloride is an inorganic salt with the formula NH4Cl (CAS 12125-02-9). It is a white, crystalline, water-soluble solid that gives mildly acidic solutions. Laboratories use it in red blood cell lysis buffers, as a nitrogen source in microbial media and as a lysosomotropic agent. Industry uses it as a metalworking flux, in fertilisers and as a food additive (E510). It is supplied in ACS, USP, EP/BP and FCC grades.
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Ammonium chloride
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What are the key properties of ammonium chloride?
Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, molar mass 53.49 g/mol, CAS 12125-02-9, EC 235-186-4) is a white crystalline salt that dissolves readily in water. Because the ammonium ion is a weak acid, aqueous solutions are mildly acidic (around pH 5 for a 5% solution). When heated it sublimes, dissociating into ammonia and hydrogen chloride. The naturally occurring mineral form is known as sal ammoniac.
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How is it used in the laboratory and in industry?
- Cell biology: It is the main component of ACK (ammonium-chloride-potassium) buffers, which lyse red blood cells in blood, spleen or bone marrow preparations. As a weak base that accumulates in acidic compartments, it is also used to inhibit lysosomal and endosomal acidification.
- Microbiology and structural biology: It is the sole nitrogen source in minimal media such as M9. The ¹⁵N-labelled form (¹⁵NH4Cl) is widely used to produce isotopically labelled proteins for NMR.
- Buffers: Combined with ammonia, it forms NH3/NH4Cl buffers.
- Industry: Applications include soldering and galvanising fluxes, nitrogen fertilisers, dry-cell electrolytes, and food use (E510). It is also used pharmaceutically, for example as an expectorant ingredient.
What should buyers consider for grades and safety?
It is available in technical, reagent (ACS), pharmacopoeial (USP, EP/BP) and food (FCC) grades, as well as molecular-biology and cell-culture grades with low endotoxin or nuclease specifications. Isotopically labelled material is sold with specified ¹⁵N enrichment. Always check the CoA for assay, heavy metals, iron and residue on ignition.
Under GHS, it is classified as harmful if swallowed (H302) and causing serious eye irritation (H319). Consult the SDS for handling and storage requirements, as the salt is hygroscopic. It is registered under REACH and listed on the TSCA inventory.
Related concepts
Related entries include ACK lysis buffer, ammonium sulfate, M9 minimal medium, isotopic labelling (¹⁵N), lysosomotropic agents, buffer systems, flux and pharmacopoeial grades (USP, EP, BP).
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