Ammonium carbonate
Ammonium carbonate (CAS: 506-87-6) is an inorganic compound comprising a variable mixture of ammonium carbamate and ammonium bicarbonate. It is a colourless solid that readily decomposes upon heating, releasing ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. This versatile chemical serves as a crucial reagent in various industrial and laboratory applications, including its use as a leavening agent in baking, a source of ammonia in chemical synthesis, and in the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals. It is also known as Hartshorn salt.
- IUPAC
- Hartshorn salt
- Synonyms
- Carbonic acid, diammonium salt (8CI,9CI)Ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3)Bis(ammonium) carbonateDiammonium carbonateHartshorn salt

Leavening Agent
Ammonium carbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking, particularly for flat baked goods like biscuits and crackers. Upon heating, it decomposes into gases that cause dough to rise.
Chemical Synthesis
It acts as a source of ammonia and carbon dioxide in various chemical synthesis processes. It is also utilized in the production of other ammonium salts and organic compounds.
Dye and Pharmaceutical Production
Ammonium carbonate finds application in the manufacturing of certain dyes and is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
Laboratory Reagent
As a versatile inorganic base and ammonium salt, it is employed in various laboratory analyses and experiments requiring a mild alkaline solution or a source of ammonium ions.
| Molecular weight | 96.09 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | (NH4)2CO3 |
| Assay | ≥30.0% NH3 basis |
| Grade | ACS reagent |
| Vapour density | 2.7 (vs air) |
| Impurities tested | ≤0.005% insolubles≤0.01 nonvolatiles |

Hazard statements
- H302Harmful if swallowed
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 3077 9 / PGIII |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xn |
| Risk statements (R) | 22-52 |
| Cation traces | Fe: ≤5 ppmheavy metals (as Pb): ≤5 ppm |
| Anion traces | chloride (Cl-): ≤5 ppmsulfate (SO42-): ≤0.002% |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Description | Mixture of variable proportions of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate |
|---|
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Ammonium carbonate used for?
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Ammonium carbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking, as a source of ammonia in chemical synthesis, in the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals, and as a laboratory reagent.
What is the CAS number and formula for Ammonium carbonate?
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The CAS number for Ammonium carbonate is 506-87-6, and its linear formula is (NH4)2CO3.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies Ammonium carbonate in ACS reagent grade, with an assay of ≥30.0% NH3 basis.
How should Ammonium carbonate be handled safely?
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Ammonium carbonate is harmful if swallowed (H302) and may cause respiratory irritation. Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment, including a dust mask type N95 (US), eyeshields, and gloves, in a well-ventilated area.
Is Ammonium carbonate a controlled substance?
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The provided data does not indicate that Ammonium carbonate is a controlled substance.
How is Ammonium carbonate packed, shipped, and exported?
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Ammonium carbonate is classified under UN 3077, Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Ammonium carbonate), 9, PGIII for transport. We adhere to all international shipping regulations for chemicals.
How can I request a quote or sample of Ammonium carbonate?
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Please contact our sales team through the website to request a quote or a sample of Ammonium carbonate.
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