E510 - Ammonium Chloride

Author: Dean Rouseberg Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Ammonium chloride in the form of the additive E 510 is used as an acidity regulator, flavoring and yeast food in fermented products. Another name - nishadar.

Characteristics of ammonium chloride / E 510

Ammonium chloride (food additive E 510) can be in the form of colorless crystals, fine white or coarse crystalline powder, partially hygroscopic. The taste of the additive is salty and peppery, the tongue becomes cold. There is no definite smell. The substance dissolves well in water, the solubility in ethanol is medium. Aqueous solutions of ammonium chloride easily form a weakly acidic solution. E 510 is obtainedby a chemical reaction in the passage of carbon dioxide through a solution of sodium chloride and ammonia. The reaction gave sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. The substance can be obtained in both industrial and laboratory conditions. It is also produced by the reaction of solutions of ammonium sulphate and sodium chloride. Mixing with slaked lime (calcium carbonate) produces ammonia gas. The chemical formula of ammonium chloride is NH4Cl. The Egyptians called the substance "nusadir", hence the name "nishadar" - ammonia, known to this day.

Ammonium chloride is a natural salt, part of the sea and rock salt. It is prepared from hydrochloric acid and ammonia. Acidity regulator, flavoring and yeast food in fermented products such as bread, bread mixes, low-sodium salt substitutes.

Ammonium chloride is found in small amounts in caves, near volcanoes, in cracks on the earth's surface, along with sulfur. It is also found in the decomposition of animal feces and urine.

Use of ammonium chloride / additive E 510

E 510 is added to yeast, pasta, pastry, fruit wines. It is used as a means of processing flour. The supplement is also used for medical purposes to save a person from unconsciousness. A weak solution of ammonia is used as a diuretic. In addition, the additive plays the role of fertilizer in agriculture. Used in soldering to remove the oxide layer from metal surfaces. In photography it is used as an ingredient for quick fixation. In Finland and some Scandinavian countries, the additive is used as a food spice and is included in some candies.

Other applications of ammonium chloride:

used for soldering and tinning of steel;
as a smoke generating agent (has this property due to its volatility);
in galvanic cells;
in the agricultural industry, as a fertilizer for neutral and alkaline soils;
for crops that react weakly to large amounts of chlorine (eg beets, rice, maize)

Impact on humans

If a large amount of ammonia vapor enters the respiratory tract, respiratory arrest may occur. Large amounts of ammonium chloride can also cause acidosis - nausea, headache, insomnia. People who have kidney or liver problems should avoid taking this supplement.

E510 - Ammonium Chloride

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics of ammonium chloride / E 510

Use of ammonium chloride / additive E 510

Impact on humans

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