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Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors

Ammonium carbonate

CAS: 506-87-6

Overview

Ammonium carbonate (CAS 506-87-6 ), also known historically as salt of hartshorn and sal volatile, is an inorganic salt used industrially as a leavening agent, pH buffer, and catalyst precursor.

As E503(i) , it is recognized across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care supply chains under established regulatory frameworks. In food manufacturing, bakers' salt serves as a chemical leavening agent.

It is used for flat baked goods such as crackers, cookies, and traditional European confections, where it releases gas cleanly without leaving a sodium residue. Pharmaceutical formulators use it as a pH-adjusting agent.

It acts as a buffering component in tablet and topical preparations. In personal care, it functions as an alkalinity regulator in hair care and skin formulations where precise pH control affects product stability.

It also acts as a catalyst precursor in select industrial synthesis processes, where its thermal decomposition releases ammonia under controlled conditions. Ammonium carbonate is supplied as a white powder or granules.

Food-grade material conforming to E503(i) specifications is the most commonly sourced form, with FCC and BP grades available for pharmaceutical and regulated food applications.

Technical grade is available for industrial and catalytic process use. This material ensures high purity and consistent performance across diverse manufacturing sectors and specialized chemical applications.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point58 °C (decomp)
Boiling Point179.58°C (rough estimate)
Density1.5
AppearanceAmmonium carbonate is a colorless crystal or white lumpy powder with a strong ammonia odor. The odor specific gravity (gas)52.7; Threshold is ,5 ppm as ammonia gas.
ColorWhite to yellow
Odorstrong odor of NH3
FormSolid
Water SolubilitySOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure760 mm Hg @ 600C
Refractive Index1.4616 (estimate)
Log P-0.809 (est)

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P330 Rinse mouth. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code28369940
UN Number9084
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

salt of hartshorn | sal volatile | bakers' salt | baker's ammonia | diammonium carbonate | Carbonic aciddiammonium salt | Ammonium carbonicum | Ammonia sesquicarbonate | E503(i)

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
506-87-6
EC Number
208-058-0
Mol. Weight
96.09
HS Code
28369940

Industries

Documentation