ammonium chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ammonium chloride” mean?
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula NH₄Cl, which is highly soluble in water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula NH₄Cl, which is highly soluble in water.
Used as a fertilizer, in dry cell batteries, as a flux in metalwork, in medicine as an expectorant, and as a flavouring agent in some types of liquorice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in spelling and meaning. Potential minor differences exist in the contexts where it is mentioned (e.g., 'sal ammoniac' as a historical/alternative name might appear more in British technical literature).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “ammonium chloride” in a Sentence
[Substance] contains ammonium chloride.Ammonium chloride is used in [process/application].[Verb: Dissolve, Add, React] ammonium chloride.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ammonium chloride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chemist will ammonium-chloride-treat the sample. (Note: highly contrived, verbs from this noun are extremely rare)
American English
- They decided to ammonium-chloride the mixture. (Note: highly contrived, verbs from this noun are extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- The ammonium chloride content was measured.
- An ammonium-chloride-based flux was applied.
American English
- The ammonium chloride concentration is critical.
- We need an ammonium-chloride-free solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in chemical supply catalogues, agricultural product listings, and industrial material procurement.
Academic
Common in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacology, and soil science textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. Might be encountered on ingredient lists for some cough medicines or licorice sweets.
Technical
The primary domain. Used precisely in laboratory protocols, industrial process descriptions, and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ammonium chloride”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ammonium chloride”
- Misspelling as 'amonium chloride' (single 'm').
- Incorrectly capitalising it as a proper noun (unless starting a sentence).
- Confusing it with ammonium nitrate or other ammonium salts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be irritating to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. In large quantities, it is harmful if ingested. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific handling instructions.
It has a sharp, salty, and slightly bitter taste. It is responsible for the characteristic salty flavour of 'salmiak' liquorice.
It is an ingredient in some expectorant cough syrups, in certain cleaning products, and as the salty flavour in some types of liquorice (e.g., Dutch 'drop' or Scandinavian 'salmiak').
Table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a different chemical compound with distinct properties; it is more acidic when dissolved in water and has different industrial and medical uses.
A white crystalline salt with the chemical formula NH₄Cl, which is highly soluble in water.
Ammonium chloride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Ammonium chloride: in British English it is pronounced /əˌməʊ.ni.əm ˈklɔː.raɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmoʊ.ni.əm ˈklɔːr.aɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AMMonium chloride' – AMM sounds like 'am' and 'em', helping recall it's a compound of AMmonia and a chloride.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; this is a literal, technical term.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common historical name for ammonium chloride?