Learn More About Ammonium Acetate

Ammonium Acetate is a white, crystalline solid with a slight vinegar-like odor. It is used in chemical analysis, textile dyeing, and preserving meats.

Physical Properties

It is a hygroscopic white solid with a slightly acidic odor. Furthermore, its melting point is 113oC. Also, it is greatly soluble in water and its density in this liquid is 1.17 g/mL-1.

Chemical Properties

It is a slat of a weak acid (acetic acid) and a weak base (ammonia). We use this salt with acetic acid to prepare a buffer solution to regulate its pH. Nevertheless, its use as a buffering agent is not particularly extensive because ammonium acetate can be volatile in low pressures.

Ammonium Acetate Solution is a clear, near colourless liquid manufactured by reacting ammonia solution with glacial acetic acid to produce strengths ranging from 50% to 66%.

Uses

We can use it as a fertilizer and in the synthesis of explosives. It is volatile at low pressure and because of this, industries and scientists have used it to replace cell buffers with non-volatile salts in preparing samples for mass spectrometry.

Hazards

Majorly, ammonium acetate causes irritation in the mouth, eyes, skin, and nose. Furthermore, it is extremely dangerous because of ingestion and can cause tissue necrosis. It can also destroy the cell membranes, penetrate in organisms, and saponify the skin. When heated, it produces toxic fumes that can damage the lungs. In a few seconds, it can decompose sodium hypochlorite.