Product Identification

Product Name

Ammonium carbonate

Synonyms

Diammonium carbonate
Hartshorn

CAS

506-87-6

Formula

CH8N2O3

Molecular Weight

96.08

EINECS

208-058-0

RTECS

BP1925000

RTECS Class

Other

Beilstein/Gmelin

3627235

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

A colorless crystalline solid or a white powder with a strong odor of ammonia.

Solubility in water

Soluble

Melting Point

58

Density

1.5 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

In baking powders, for washing and defatting woolens, tanning, as mordant in dyeing, in manufacture of rubber articles, casein glue, casein colors, in fire extinguishers, for separating cocas constituents, as a reagent in analytical chemistry.

Vapor Density

N/R

Odor threshold

< 5 ppm (as ammonia gas)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration.

Skin

Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse. Rinse area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not store in metal containers. Store in opaque, air-tight containers. Do not expose to air.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Store protected from air. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. Can produce delayed pulmonary edema.

Skin

Causes skin irritation. May cause irritation with burning pain, itching and redness.

Eyes

Causes eye irritation. May cause chemical conjunctivitis.

Ingestion

May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

UN (DOT)

9084

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use. Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Effects may be delayed.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Substance is nonflammable. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Extinguishing media: For small fires, use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or chemical foam. Do NOT get water inside containers. For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

Fire Potential

Releases flammable ammonia gas.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up or absorb material, then place into a suitable clean, dry, closed container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide ventilation. Do not get water inside containers.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions. May decompose on exposure to air.

Incompatibilities

Strong acids.

Decomposition

Nitric oxide (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) fumes, oxides of carbon, toxic gases.

Combustion Products

Toxic ammonia gas will form in fires.

Transport Information

UN Number

9084

Hazard Class

9.1