Ammonium Acetate CAS 631-61-8

Ammonium acetate, with the chemical formula NH4CH3CO2, has the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number 631-61-8. It is the ammonium salt of acetic acid (CH3COOH). Here's some information about its properties and uses:

Properties:

- Chemical Formula: NH4CH3CO2

- Molar Mass: Approximately 77.08 g/mol

- Appearance: Ammonium acetate is a white crystalline solid or a powder.

- Solubility: It is highly soluble in water.

Uses:

1. Chemical Synthesis: Ammonium acetate is commonly used in various chemical reactions as a source of acetate ions and as a weak acid or buffer. It's often employed in reactions involving acetic acid or its derivatives.

2. Buffer Solution: It is used in laboratory settings as a buffer solution, especially in techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis, where the maintenance of a specific pH range is important.

3. Desiccant: Ammonium acetate is sometimes used as a desiccant (drying agent) in certain applications, particularly in the drying of organic solvents or in reactions that require the removal of water.

4. Analytical Chemistry: In mass spectrometry, ammonium acetate is often added to samples as a volatile buffer, which helps in ionization and fragmentation of analytes in the gas phase. It is used to improve the detection of certain compounds.

5. Textile and Leather Industry: Similar to other ammonium salts, ammonium acetate can be used in dyeing and finishing processes in the textile and leather industries.

6. Food Industry: It is approved for use as a food additive (E264) in certain food products as a pH regulator, acidity regulator, or buffer.

7. Pharmaceuticals: In some pharmaceutical formulations, ammonium acetate may be used as a pH adjuster or buffer.

8. Photography: Historically, ammonium acetate was used in photography as a component of developing solutions.

As with any chemical, proper safety precautions and handling procedures should be followed when working with ammonium acetate. It is relatively safe to handle but should be used in a well-ventilated area, and contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes should be avoided. Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer for specific safety information and handling instructions.