Ammonium chloride: General methods of preparation, assay, properties and medicinal uses
Ammonium chloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NH4Cl. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and has a salty taste. Ammonium chloride has a variety of medicinal uses and is also used in industrial and laboratory applications.
Preparation:
Ammonium chloride is prepared by reacting ammonia gas with hydrogen chloride gas or by combining ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride in a reaction that produces ammonium chloride and sodium sulfate.
Assay:
The assay of ammonium chloride involves the determination of its purity by measuring its nitrogen content. This can be done by converting the ammonium chloride to ammonia gas and then measuring the amount of nitrogen gas produced.
Properties:
Ammonium chloride is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 338°C and a boiling point of 520°C. It is soluble in water and has a pH of around 5.5-7.0 in solution. Ammonium chloride is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb water from the air, and it can also decompose at high temperatures to release ammonia gas and hydrogen chloride gas.
Medicinal uses:
Ammonium chloride has several medicinal uses, including:
- Treatment of metabolic alkalosis: Ammonium chloride can be used to treat metabolic alkalosis, a condition in which the blood pH is too high, by acidifying the urine and increasing the excretion of bicarbonate ions.
- Cough suppressant: Ammonium chloride is used as a cough suppressant in some over-the-counter medications, such as cough drops, because it can help to loosen and break up mucus in the respiratory tract.
- Electrolyte replacement: Ammonium chloride can be used to replace lost electrolytes in the body, particularly chloride ions.
- Acidifying agent: Ammonium chloride is used as an acidifying agent in some foods and beverages, such as bread and sports drinks.
- Treatment of urinary tract infections: Ammonium chloride can help to acidify the urine and reduce the growth of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
Overall, ammonium chloride is a versatile compound with several medicinal uses, including treatment of metabolic alkalosis, cough suppression, electrolyte replacement, acidifying agent, and treatment of urinary tract infections.
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