Ammonium Bicarbonate

• Synonyms: Ammonium hydrogen carbonate; Ammonium acid carbonate
• CAS Number: 1066-33-7, Molecular Weight: 79.1, Chemical Formula: NH4HCO3, EINECS EC Number: 213-911-5

Ammonium Bicarbonate BP Ph Eur
(Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate)
NH4HCO3 --- 79.1 --- 1066-33-7

DEFINITION
Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate contains not less than 98.0 per cent and not more than 101.0 per cent of the equivalent of ammonium hydrogen carbonate.

CHARACTERS
A fine, white, crystalline powder or white crystals, slightly hygroscopic, freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in alcohol.
It volatilizes rapidly at 60C. The volatilization takes place slowly at ambient temperatures if the substance is slightly moist. It is in a state of equilibrium with ammonium carbamate.

IDENTIFICATION
A. It gives the reaction of carbonates and bicarbonates.
B. Dissolve 50 mg in 2 ml of water. The solution gives the reaction of ammonium salts.

TESTS
Solution S
Dissolve 14.0 g in 100 ml of distilled water. Boil to remove the ammonia, allow to  cool and dilute to 100.0 ml with distilled water.Chlorides
Dilute 5 ml of solution S to 15 ml with water. The solution complies with the limit  test for chlorides (70 ppm).
Sulphates
15 ml of solution S complies with the limit test for sulphates (70 ppm)
Iron : Dilute 1.8 ml of solution S to 10 ml with water. The solution complies with the limit  test for iron (40 ppm).
Heavy metals
Dissolve cautiously 2.5 g in 25 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid. 12 ml of the solution  complies with limit test A for heavy metals (10 ppm)

Ammonium Bicarbonate FCC Food Grade
NH4HCO3 Formula wt 79.06
INS: 503(ii) CAS: [1066-33-7]

DESCRIPTION
It occurs as white crystals or as a crystalline powder. It volatilizes rapidly at 60°, dissociating into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water, but it is quite stable at room temperature. One gram dissolves in about 6mL of water. It is insoluble in alcohol.

REQUIREMENTS
Identification: A sample gives positive tests for Ammonium and for Bicarbonate.
Assay: Not less than 99.0% and not more than 100.5% of NH4HCO3.
Chloride: Not more than 0.003%.
Lead: Not more than 3 mg/kg.
Nonvolatile Residue: Not more than 0.05% (0.55% for products containing a suitable ant caking agent).
Sulfur Compounds (as SO4): Not more than 0.007%.