ammoniumkarbonat

Ammoniumkarbonat is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula (NH₄)₂CO₃. It is the ammonium salt of carbonic acid and is a white solid that readily decomposes in moist air. This decomposition releases ammonia and carbon dioxide gases, along with water. Because of its instability and tendency to decompose, pure ammonium carbonate is rarely encountered. Instead, it is often handled as a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate (NH₄HCO₃) and ammonium carbamate (NH₂COONH₄).

Ammonium carbonate has several applications. Historically, it was used as a leavening agent in baking, particularly for cookies and crackers, where it produced a lighter texture and a distinct odor. However, due to its strong smell and the availability of more stable leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder, its use in modern baking has declined. It also finds use in medicine as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract. In industry, it can be employed in the production of ammonium compounds, in fire extinguishers, and as a fertilizer. The compound is soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution. Its decomposition products, ammonia and carbon dioxide, are also significant industrial chemicals.