ammonium carbonate

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a water-soluble mixture of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate, occurring either as a white powder or in colorless, hard, crystalline masses: used chiefly in the manufacture of smelling salts and baking powder.

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ammonium carbonate British  

noun

1. an unstable pungent soluble white powder that is a double salt of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate: used in the manufacture of baking powder, smelling salts, and ammonium compounds. Formula: (NH 4 )HCO 3 .(NH 4 )CO 2 NH 2

2. an unstable substance that is produced by treating this compound with ammonia. Formula: (NH 4 ) 2 CO 3

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Etymology

Origin of ammonium carbonate

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

A dozen cleaning agents were proposed before the restorers settled on a solution of distilled water and 25% ammonium carbonate.

From Time Magazine Archive

The precipitate is shaken with ammonium carbonate, which dissolves the arsenic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

The original residue is treated with a solution of ammonium carbonate, which dissolves arsenious acid and basic zinc sulphate, filtered, and united with the first filtrate.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 by Various

Add to the filtrate about 1.5 gram of ammonium carbonate; evaporate to about 40 c.c., and add a little more ammonic carbonate and some ammonia.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

The filtrate is nearly neutralised with ammonia; ammonium carbonate added in slight excess; and the liquid heated to boiling and filtered.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius