Page 117 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

Words to Know

ALCHEMY An ancient field of study from FLUX A material that lowers the melting
which the modern science of chemistry point of another substance or mixture of
evolved. substances or that is used in cleaning
a metal.
AQUEOUS SOLUTION A solution that
consists of some material dissolved in MORDANT A substance used in dyeing and
water. printing that reacts chemically with both
a dye and the material being dyed to help
ELECTROPLATING Process by which a thin
hold the dye permanently to the material.
layer of one metal is deposited on top of
a second metal by passing an electric POLYMER A compound consisting of very
current through a solution of the first large molecules made of one or two small
metal. repeated units called monomers.

• For the electroplating of metals; and
• As an additive to a licorice-type candy popular in some
parts of the world, to which it gives a characteristic
salty taste.
Exposure to ammonium chloride may carry certain
health risks. When inhaled or deposited on the skin, it may
cause irritation of the tissues that may require treatment.
The compound is potentially toxic if swallowed. These poten-
tial problems are generally of concern primarily to people
who work with the compound directly, as in the industries
mentioned above. Anyone who is exposed to ammonium
chloride should see medical attention immediately.

FOR FURT H ER INFOR M ATIO N
‘‘Ammonium Chloride: Helping to Provide Portable Electricity.’’
The Science Center.
http://www.science education.org/classroom_activities/
chlorine_compound/ammonium_chloride.html
(accessed on September 19, 2005).
‘‘Ammonium Chloride, Technical.’’ Zaclon Incorporated.
http://www.zaclon.com/pdf/amchltec_datasheet.pdf
(accessed on September 19, 2005).

66 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS