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 Sal ammoniac, or ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), was used originally produced in ancient
Egypt by heating camel dung, which contained urea, in the desert heat. This process
resulted in the formation of ammonium chloride. It was used for various purposes,
including as a cleaning agent and for mummification. Sal ammoniac was used in alchemical
processes and was considered one of the seven planetary metals. Alchemists believed
it had mystical properties. In medieval Europe, it was used in medical treatments,
although its efficacy in this regard was limited.
Modern production of sal ammoniac no longer involves camel dung but is achieved
through a chemical reaction between ammonia and hydrochloric acid. The steps involved
in its production include:
- Ammonia Production: Ammonia is synthesized by reacting nitrogen and hydrogen
under high pressure and temperature conditions, often using the Haber-Bosch process.
- Reaction with Hydrochloric Acid: Ammonia is then reacted with hydrochloric acid
(HCl) to produce ammonium chloride:
- NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
- Crystallization: The resulting ammonium chloride solution is evaporated, and
the crystals of sal ammoniac are obtained.
Modern uses include:
- Soldering Flux: It helps remove oxide layers and other impurities from metal
surfaces, enabling better soldering.
- Cooling Baths: It absorbs heat during dissolution, making it a useful substance
for cooling in certain applications.
- Experiments: Sal ammoniac is used in laboratories as a reagent for various chemical
experiments and processes.
- Dry Cell Batteries: It is used in the production of dry cell batteries as an
electrolyte, providing ionic conductivity within the battery.
- Fertilizers: Ammonium chloride is used as a source of nitrogen in fertilizers,
providing essential nutrients to plants.
- Leather Industry: It is used in the leather industry for leather tanning processes.
- Fire Extinguishers: In some fire extinguishers, sal ammoniac was used as part
of the extinguishing agent.
- Cleaning Products: It has been used in cleaning agents and products.
- Flavoring Agent: In some traditional cooking, especially in certain parts of
Asia, it is used as a flavoring agent, but this use has diminished with the availability
of other ingredients.
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