Ammonium Acetate: Properties, Structure, Uses, Preparation, Side Effects

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:17 PM IST

Ammonium acetate or CH3COONH4 appears as a white crystalline solid with a slightly sour taste. With the combination of ammonia and acetic acid, ammonium salt is obtained. The chemical name for this salt is ammonium acetate, but in aqueous form, it is also known as Mindelos spirit. Other names for ammonium acetate include ammonium ethanoate and azanium acetate. This ammonium salt is widely used to preserve food. Pharmaceutical and chemical analytical processes. This acetate is most effective when used as an acidity regulator in food. But it is one of the greatest threats to our atmosphere and living environment. Immediate action must be taken to limit the spread of this dangerous sale into the environment.

This Story also Contains

Properties Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4
Understanding Ammonium Acetate Solubility-CH3COONH4
Uses Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4
Preparation Of Ammonium Acetate -CH3COONH4
Side Effects Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4

Ammonium Acetate

Properties Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4

Melting point: -114°C.
Density of Ammonium Acetate: 1.17 g/cm3
Molecular Weight: 277.083 g/mol
Viscosity of Ammonium Acetate: 21
Molecular Formula: C2H7NO2
Monoisotopic Mass: 77.047676 Da
Structure of Ammonium Acetate: C2H7NO2

Understanding Ammonium Acetate Solubility-CH3COONH4

It is soluble in water. The solubility of this vinegar salt in water is about 102g/100 ml at 0°C. Aqueous solubility of a compound in water increases with increasing temperature.

For example, its solubility reaches 5330 grams per litre of water at a temperature of 80 °C. This compound is also soluble in liquid ammonia, acetone and alcohol. It is slightly soluble in methanol, with a solubility of 7.89 g per 100 ml at the temperature of 15 °C and 131.24 g per 100 g at the temperature of 94.2 °C.

Solubility of water is -

148 grams per 100 millilitres at 20 °C
143 grams per 100 millilitres at 80 °C

Solubility of dimethylformamide is -

0.1 gram per 100 grams

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.

Download EBook

Uses Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4

There is a lot of use of ammonium acetate. In food, it takes the form of an acidity regulator. The alkalinity or acidity of food can be changed or controlled using this food ingredient. It is frequently employed in the Knoevenagel condensation process as a catalyst. One of the greatest sources of ammonia for the Volch reaction during chemical synthesis is this substance.

A class of protein precipitation reagents is created by mixing distilled water and ammonium acetate. This substance also functions as a mobile phase for HPLC, or high-performance liquid chromatography, as well as a buffer for ESI, or electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, of molecules and proteins. Ammonium acetate is only very rarely utilised as a biodegradable deicing agent.

Moreover, it works best as a diuretic.

In order to prepare samples for mass spectrometry, ammonium acetate, which has a tendency to be unstable at low pressures, is employed in place of cell buffers with a variety of non-explosive salts.

More important applications of this compound are-:

It has it’s application in the manufacturing of explosives.
Used in the manufacture of foam rubber.
Vinyl Used in the manufacture of plastics.
Used for a variety of agricultural products.
In analytical chemistry, compounds are used in the form of reagents. Used as a reagent in various dialysis procedures to remove contaminants by diffusion.
In agrochemicals, ammonium acetate is used as a reagent to help determine the soil's CEC or cation exchange capacity, along with the availability of potassium in the soil.

Preparation Of Ammonium Acetate -CH3COONH4

There are two ways to obtain ammonium acetate.

By the saturation of glacial acetic acid with ammonia.
Neutralize acetic acid with (NH4)2CO3 or ammonium carbonate.

These are the two basic methods for obtaining ammonium acetate, but several new methods have also emerged in recent years.Ammonium acetate acts as an acetamide precursor.

Side Effects Of Ammonium Acetate-CH3COONH4

Inhaling ammonium acetate dust may cause irritation to the nose and mouth.
If you swallow the salt, then it can cause irritation in the stomach.
Rashes can be caused if you make eye contact or skin contact with the compound.
It can also lead to skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ammonium acetate and why is it considered a salt?

Ammonium acetate is a chemical compound with the formula CH3COONH4. It's considered a salt because it's formed from the reaction between a weak acid (acetic acid) and a weak base (ammonia). This neutralization reaction produces a compound that dissociates into ions in water, which is a key characteristic of salts.

2. How does the preparation of ammonium acetate differ from that of other ammonium salts?

Ammonium acetate is typically prepared by the direct reaction of ammonia with acetic acid, unlike many other ammonium salts which are often made by reacting ammonia with stronger acids. The reaction is less exothermic and more controlled due to acetic acid being a weak acid. This method also ensures high purity of the product.

3. How does the thermal decomposition of ammonium acetate differ from that of ammonium chloride?

The thermal decomposition of ammonium acetate produces acetic acid and ammonia, both of which are volatile. In contrast, ammonium chloride decomposes into ammonia and hydrogen chloride. The key difference is that the products of ammonium acetate decomposition can easily recombine upon cooling, while those of ammonium chloride typically do not.

4. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes used in dyeing processes?

Ammonium acetate is used in dyeing processes because it can act as a buffer to maintain a stable pH, which is crucial for consistent dye uptake by fabrics. It can also help to fix certain dyes to fabrics by forming complexes with the dye molecules. Its volatility allows it to be easily removed after the dyeing process.

5. What is the significance of ammonium acetate's ability to form supersaturated solutions?

Ammonium acetate can form supersaturated solutions, where more solute is dissolved than would be possible under normal conditions. This property is useful in crystallization processes, as it allows for the controlled growth of crystals when the solution is cooled or seeded. It's also relevant in understanding the solution behavior of this salt.

6. What happens to ammonium acetate when it's heated?

When heated, ammonium acetate decomposes into its constituent parts: acetic acid and ammonia. This decomposition occurs because both components are volatile. The reaction is reversible, meaning that upon cooling, the ammonia and acetic acid can recombine to form ammonium acetate again.

7. How does the pH of an ammonium acetate solution compare to pure water?

An ammonium acetate solution is slightly acidic, with a pH around 7.0 to 7.2. This is close to neutral but slightly on the acidic side. The slight acidity is due to the weak acid nature of the acetate ion, which can accept protons from water molecules, producing a small excess of hydronium ions.

8. How does the conductivity of an ammonium acetate solution compare to other salt solutions?

The conductivity of an ammonium acetate solution is generally lower than that of strong electrolyte solutions (like sodium chloride) but higher than pure water. This is because ammonium acetate is a weak electrolyte, meaning it doesn't fully dissociate in water. The partial dissociation results in fewer free ions available for conducting electricity.

9. What is the significance of ammonium acetate being both the salt of a weak acid and a weak base?

Being the salt of both a weak acid and a weak base means that ammonium acetate undergoes hydrolysis in water. Both the ammonium ion and the acetate ion interact with water molecules, leading to a solution that's close to neutral pH. This property makes it an excellent buffer and allows it to resist pH changes when small amounts of acids or bases are added.

10. How does the crystal structure of solid ammonium acetate influence its properties?

The crystal structure of solid ammonium acetate consists of ammonium ions and acetate ions held together by ionic bonds and hydrogen bonding. This structure contributes to its relatively low melting point (114°C) compared to inorganic salts. The presence of hydrogen bonding also affects its solubility and hygroscopic nature.

11. Why is ammonium acetate considered an environmentally friendly de-icing agent?

Ammonium acetate is considered an environmentally friendly de-icing agent because it's biodegradable and less corrosive than traditional salt (sodium chloride). When it breaks down, it forms ammonia and acetic acid, which are less harmful to plants and water systems than chloride ions. Its ability to lower the freezing point of water makes it effective for de-icing purposes.

12. How does the hygroscopic nature of ammonium acetate affect its storage and handling?

Ammonium acetate is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This property affects its storage and handling as it can become damp or even form a solution if exposed to humid air. Proper storage in airtight containers is necessary to maintain its dry state and prevent degradation.

13. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes used in food preservation?

Ammonium acetate is used in food preservation primarily as a acidity regulator or buffer. It helps maintain a consistent pH in food products, which is important for controlling microbial growth and maintaining flavor. Its ability to release small amounts of acetic acid also contributes to its preservative action.

14. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes used in the production of certain pharmaceuticals?

Ammonium acetate is used in pharmaceutical production for several reasons. It can act as a buffering agent to maintain pH during drug synthesis or formulation. Its volatility makes it easy to remove from the final product. Additionally, it can serve as a source of ammonia in certain reactions used to synthesize drug molecules.

15. How does ammonium acetate interact with metal ions in solution?

Ammonium acetate can interact with metal ions in solution in several ways. The acetate ion can act as a ligand, forming complexes with certain metal ions. This property is useful in some analytical and separation techniques. Additionally, the ammonium ion can compete with metal ions for binding sites in some biological systems.

16. How does the structure of ammonium acetate contribute to its properties?

The structure of ammonium acetate consists of an ammonium ion (NH4+) and an acetate ion (CH3COO-). This ionic structure allows it to dissolve easily in water, making it highly soluble. The presence of both a cation and an anion also contributes to its ability to act as a buffer in solutions.

17. How does the solubility of ammonium acetate compare to other salts?

Ammonium acetate is highly soluble in water, more so than many other salts. This high solubility is due to its ionic nature and the ability of water molecules to effectively solvate both the ammonium and acetate ions. Its solubility is about 148g/100mL of water at room temperature, which is significantly higher than common salts like sodium chloride.

18. How does ammonium acetate behave in non-aqueous solvents?

In non-aqueous solvents, ammonium acetate behaves differently than in water. It may not fully dissociate into ions, depending on the solvent's polarity. In some organic solvents, it can act as a source of both protons (from the ammonium ion) and acetate ions, making it useful in certain organic reactions.

19. How does ammonium acetate affect the freezing point of water?

Ammonium acetate, like other soluble salts, lowers the freezing point of water. This is due to the colligative properties of solutions, where the presence of dissolved particles interferes with the formation of ice crystals. The extent of freezing point depression depends on the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

20. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the boiling point of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate in water increases the boiling point of the solution. This is another colligative property of solutions, where the dissolved particles interfere with the escape of water molecules into the gas phase. The boiling point elevation is proportional to the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

21. Why is ammonium acetate often used as a buffer solution?

Ammonium acetate is used as a buffer because it's formed from a weak acid and a weak base. In solution, it can resist changes in pH by either accepting or donating protons. This property makes it useful in maintaining a stable pH in various chemical and biological processes.

22. Why is ammonium acetate used in protein purification processes?

Ammonium acetate is used in protein purification because it can maintain a stable pH (as a buffer) and it's volatile. Its volatility allows it to be easily removed by evaporation or lyophilization after the purification process, leaving the purified protein behind. Additionally, it doesn't denature proteins like some other salts might.

23. What role does ammonium acetate play in mass spectrometry?

In mass spectrometry, ammonium acetate is often used as a buffer in electrospray ionization (ESI) techniques. It helps maintain a stable pH and aids in the ionization process without introducing additional ions that could complicate the spectrum. Its volatility also means it doesn't leave residues in the instrument.

24. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes preferred over other buffers in biological experiments?

Ammonium acetate is often preferred in biological experiments because it's less likely to interfere with enzymatic reactions or protein structures compared to some other buffers. Its neutral pH and volatility make it easy to remove after use, and it doesn't introduce metal ions that could affect sensitive biological systems.

25. What happens when ammonium acetate is mixed with a strong acid like hydrochloric acid?

When ammonium acetate is mixed with a strong acid like hydrochloric acid, it acts as a buffer, resisting the change in pH. The acetate ions from ammonium acetate will accept protons from the strong acid, forming acetic acid. This reaction helps to neutralize some of the added acid, maintaining a more stable pH than if the acid were added to pure water.

26. What role does ammonium acetate play in some organic synthesis reactions?

In organic synthesis, ammonium acetate can serve multiple roles. It can act as a mild base, a source of ammonia for reactions like the Ritter reaction, or as a nucleophile in certain condensation reactions. Its ability to provide both acidic and basic conditions makes it versatile in organic chemistry.

27. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the vapor pressure of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate lowers the vapor pressure of water. This is because the dissolved ions interact with water molecules, reducing their ability to escape into the gas phase. The extent of vapor pressure lowering depends on the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

28. How does the solubility of ammonium acetate change with temperature?

The solubility of ammonium acetate generally increases with temperature. This positive temperature coefficient of solubility is common for many salts. As the temperature rises, more thermal energy is available to break the ionic bonds in the crystal, allowing more ions to enter the solution.

29. What is the role of ammonium acetate in some analytical chemistry techniques?

In analytical chemistry, ammonium acetate is often used as a buffer in chromatography techniques, particularly in HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). It helps maintain a stable pH in the mobile phase, which is crucial for consistent separation of analytes. Its volatility also makes it suitable for LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) applications.

30. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the surface tension of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate generally decreases the surface tension of water. This is because the ions from the dissolved salt interact with the water molecules at the surface, reducing the cohesive forces between them. The extent of surface tension reduction depends on the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

31. What is the significance of ammonium acetate's role in the nitrogen cycle?

Ammonium acetate plays a role in the nitrogen cycle primarily through its ammonium component. When used as a fertilizer or when it decomposes in soil, it releases ammonium ions, which can be taken up by plants or converted to nitrates by soil bacteria. This contributes to the nitrogen availability in ecosystems.

32. How does the reactivity of ammonium acetate compare to that of sodium acetate?

Ammonium acetate is generally more reactive than sodium acetate due to the presence of the ammonium ion. The ammonium ion can act as a weak acid, donating protons in certain reactions. Additionally, ammonium acetate can decompose into ammonia and acetic acid when heated, a property not shared by sodium acetate.

33. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes used in electroplating processes?

Ammonium acetate is used in some electroplating processes because it can act as a buffer to maintain a stable pH in the plating bath. It can also form complexes with metal ions, which can influence the deposition process. Its ability to conduct electricity (albeit weakly) also contributes to its usefulness in these applications.

34. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the osmotic pressure of a solution?

The presence of ammonium acetate increases the osmotic pressure of a solution. This is because osmotic pressure is a colligative property that depends on the number of dissolved particles. When ammonium acetate dissociates in water, it increases the total number of particles in solution, thereby increasing the osmotic pressure.

35. What is the significance of ammonium acetate's ability to form hydrogen bonds?

The ability of ammonium acetate to form hydrogen bonds is significant for several reasons. It contributes to its high solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. Hydrogen bonding also plays a role in its crystal structure and affects its melting point. In solution, hydrogen bonding influences its behavior as a buffer and its interactions with other molecules.

36. How does ammonium acetate affect the activity coefficients of other ions in solution?

Ammonium acetate, like other electrolytes, can affect the activity coefficients of other ions in solution. This is due to ionic interactions and the overall ionic strength of the solution. Generally, the presence of ammonium acetate will decrease the activity coefficients of other ions, affecting their effective concentration and reactivity.

37. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes preferred over ammonium chloride in certain applications?

Ammonium acetate is sometimes preferred over ammonium chloride because it's less corrosive and doesn't introduce chloride ions, which can be problematic in some systems. The acetate ion is also a weaker base than chloride, which can be advantageous in pH-sensitive applications. Additionally, ammonium acetate's volatility makes it easier to remove in some processes.

38. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the rate of evaporation of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate generally decreases the rate of evaporation of water. This is because the dissolved ions interact with water molecules, reducing their ability to escape into the gas phase. The effect is related to the lowering of vapor pressure caused by the dissolved salt.

39. What is the role of ammonium acetate in some flame retardant formulations?

Ammonium acetate is used in some flame retardant formulations due to its ability to decompose and release ammonia when heated. The released ammonia can dilute flammable gases and potentially neutralize acidic combustion products. The endothermic nature of its decomposition also helps to absorb heat from the combustion process.

40. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the refractive index of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate increases the refractive index of water. This is because the dissolved ions increase the density of the solution and alter its optical properties. The extent of the increase in refractive index depends on the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

41. Why is ammonium acetate sometimes used in the production of certain polymers?

Ammonium acetate is used in some polymer production processes as a catalyst or initiator. It can provide both acidic and basic sites, which can be useful in certain polymerization reactions. Its ability to decompose into volatile products also makes it easy to remove from the final polymer product.

42. How does the presence of ammonium acetate affect the viscosity of water?

The presence of ammonium acetate generally increases the viscosity of water. This is due to the interactions between the dissolved ions and water molecules, which can impede the flow of the liquid. The extent of viscosity increase depends on the concentration of ammonium acetate in the solution.

43. What is the significance of ammonium acetate's role in some biochemical assays?

Ammonium acetate is important in some biochemical assays due to its buffering capacity and its ability to maintain ionic strength without introducing interfering ions. It's often used in protein and nucle