Product Overview
Product Name: Ammonium Bicarbonate
Chemical Formula: NH₄HCO₃
CAS Number: 1066-33-7
Molecular Weight: 79.06 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slight ammonia smell
Solubility: Soluble in water, decomposes upon heating
Ammonium Bicarbonate is a versatile compound commonly used as a leavening agent in food production and as a nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. It is recognized for its rapid decomposition into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water, leaving no harmful residues in baked goods or soil.
Specifications (Typical Values)
Parameter | Food Grade | Industrial Grade |
Purity (NH₄HCO₃) | ≥ 99.2% | ≥ 99.0% |
Moisture | ≤ 0.4% | ≤ 0.5% |
Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.003% | ≤ 0.005% |
Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 0.007% | ≤ 0.01% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.1% |
Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ≤ 2 ppm |
Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.002% | ≤ 0.005% |
pH (100g/L, 25°C) | 7.0 – 8.5 | 7.0 – 8.5 |
Production Method
Ammonium Bicarbonate is manufactured through a gas-liquid reaction of ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water. The main reaction is:
NH₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → NH₄HCO₃
This reaction takes place under controlled temperature and pressure in a closed system. The resulting crystalline product is then filtered, dried, and packed in moisture-resistant bags.
Applications
Food Industry
Leavening Agent: Used in cookies, biscuits, crackers, and puffed snacks. It decomposes at baking temperatures, releasing CO₂ to provide volume and texture without leaving an alkaline taste.
Food Additive: Listed as E503(ii), approved for safe use in many countries.
Agriculture
Nitrogen Fertilizer: Provides around 17% nitrogen, suitable for crops requiring fast nitrogen release.
Soil Conditioner: Enhances soil fertility, particularly in acidic or neutral soils.
Industrial Uses
Foaming Agent: Used in the production of plastics and rubber.
Fire Extinguishers: Ingredient in dry powder fire extinguishers.
Chemical Reagent: Used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory analysis.
Functional Effects
Rapid Leavening: Fast decomposition ensures immediate gas release during baking, ideal for low-moisture products.
Zero Residue: Decomposes into gases, leaving no solid residue or off-flavor in baked goods.
Nitrogen Supply: Effective and economical nitrogen source for short-cycle crops.
Cost Efficiency: Affordable for both food manufacturers and agricultural users.
Packaging & Storage
Standard Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bags with PE liner or 50 kg woven PP bags
OEM Options: Custom labels and packaging available
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Shelf Life: 12 months under recommended storage conditions
TDS - Ammonium bicarbonate.pdf