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Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium Chloride is a white crystalline salt widely used as a flux and fertilizer in East Africa.

Ammonium Chloride functions primarily as a source of ammonium ions and chloride ions, enabling chemical reactions essential in agriculture and industrial processes.

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200kg drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Ammonium Chloride?

Ammonium Chloride functions primarily as a source of ammonium ions and chloride ions, enabling chemical reactions essential in agriculture and industrial processes. Its capacity to readily dissolve in water and release ammonium ions makes it invaluable in fertilizer formulations, enhancing soil nitrogen availability and promoting crop growth.

This inorganic compound, with the formula NH4Cl, appears as a white crystalline salt. It holds significance in multiple East African industries including pharmaceuticals, textiles, metalworking, and food processing. The dual ability to serve as a flux in metal joining and as a nutrient provider in fertilizers underpins its widespread commercial use.

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Ammonium Chloride reliably across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries. The product’s consistent purity and performance ensure it meets the diverse demands of agrochemical producers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and metal treatment facilities throughout the region.

Ammonium Chloride: Detailed Product Overview

Ammonium Chloride is composed of ammonium cations (NH4+) and chloride anions (Cl-), forming a highly soluble salt that easily dissociates in water. This dissociation is the basis for its agricultural use: releasing ammonium ions provides plants with a readily available nitrogen source essential for growth and metabolic functions. Its relatively neutral pH in solution allows it to amend soils without causing excessive acidification, unlike some other ammonium salts.

In metalworking, Ammonium Chloride is valued as a flux agent. When applied to metal surfaces during soldering or galvanizing, it helps remove oxide films by chemically breaking down metal oxides and facilitating metal-to-metal bonding. This leads to cleaner welds and solder joints, improving mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.

Physically, it exists as a white crystalline powder that is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This property necessitates careful storage to maintain product integrity. It has a relatively low melting point of approximately 338°C and sublimates under high heat, which is critical to consider during industrial processing.

Ammonium Chloride’s performance in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations depends on its purity and grade, which vary depending on supplier certification. Zenco Systems Ltd ensures compliance with East African regulatory and quality standards, providing product with specifications suited to food-grade and industrial applications alike. Buyers should confirm exact purity and grade requirements at order time due to variations in application specifics.

Applications and Uses of Ammonium Chloride

Fertilizer Production

Ammonium Chloride supplies plants with essential nitrogen in agricultural fertilizers. Its solubility allows rapid nutrient uptake, especially suitable for crops like rice and wheat commonly grown in East Africa. It is often blended with other nutrients to balance soil chemistry and improve yield. Application rates vary with soil tests but typically range from 30 to 120 kilograms per hectare. The chemical’s neutral pH impact helps prevent soil acid stress during repeated fertilization cycles.

Metalworking Flux

Used in soldering and galvanizing, Ammonium Chloride acts as a cleaning flux by chemically removing metal oxides. This facilitates better adhesion of solder or metal coatings by providing clean reactive surfaces. It is applied as a paste or powder mixed with water to form flux solutions. The precise concentration depends on the metal type and temperature process, commonly between 10% and 25% by weight to optimize oxide removal without corrosive effects.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In pharmaceuticals, Ammonium Chloride functions as an expectorant and pH adjuster in formulations. It harmonizes acidity in cough syrups and electrolyte replenishment products. Purity and compliance with pharmacopeial standards are critical, as impurities can impact drug safety and efficacy. It is handled under strict quality control during bulk supply and usually supplied in food or pharma grade to the regional manufacturers.

Textile Processing

Ammonium Chloride is applied in dyeing and print setting within the textile industry to fix dyes on fabrics. Its ionic nature helps maintain pH levels and facilitates uniform penetration of dye molecules. It is dissolved in the dye bath in controlled concentrations to optimize color fastness and reduce fabric damage.

Food Additive

Used as a food additive, Ammonium Chloride serves as a yeast nutrient in bread-making and as a flavor enhancer in some confectionery products. It must be food-grade to meet health standards and is regulated by food safety authorities. Its use requires controlled dosing, typically less than 0.1% by weight, to avoid altering the food’s taste profile excessively.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Pharma & Cosmetics range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Reliable Nutrient Source for Fertilizers

Ammonium Chloride delivers a consistent supply of nitrogen, critical for plant growth, especially in nitrogen-deficient soils. Because it dissolves rapidly in soil moisture, plants can access nutrients quickly, improving efficiency of fertilization programs. This can translate to cost savings and yield improvements for East African farmers.

Effective Flux in Metal Treatment

Its ability to remove metal oxides chemically enhances soldering quality and galvanizing performance. This operational benefit reduces rework and failures in metal fabrication, contributing to higher product reliability and lower manufacturing costs in sectors like construction and electronics.

Versatility Across Multiple Industries

Ammonium Chloride’s role spanning agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, and textiles speaks to its adaptability. This multi-sector utility enables suppliers such as Zenco Systems Ltd to offer a single chemical solution to diverse industrial needs in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, streamlining procurement.

Controlled Quality with Regional Support

Buyers in East Africa benefit from Zenco Systems Ltd’s commitment to product consistency and regulatory compliance. This assures end-users of receiving Ammonium Chloride meeting required specifications, reducing quality risks and supporting operational continuity.

Packaging Information

Ammonium Chloride is typically supplied in 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, and 200 kg drums, catering to different scales of industrial use. These packaging formats suit both small-scale processors and large agricultural fertilizer producers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Bulk supply options can be arranged for continuous manufacturing operations, with packaging designed to minimize moisture ingress during cross-border transport within East Africa.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200kg drums

Storage and Handling

Store Ammonium Chloride in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent moisture absorption since it is hygroscopic. Containers should be tightly sealed, preferably made from polyethylene-lined or metal drums to avoid contamination and degradation. Segregate from incompatible substances such as strong bases or oxidizers. Under proper storage, shelf life can extend beyond one year, but regular inspection is advised. Avoid inhaling dust during handling by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety Information

Ammonium Chloride is classified as an irritant. Handling requires protective gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to minimize inhalation and skin contact. In case of dust exposure, move to fresh air and rinse any skin or eye contact areas thoroughly with water. Spillages should be contained and cleaned promptly to prevent environmental release. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations. Consult the detailed Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety protocols.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaNH4Cl
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200kg drums
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
CAS Number12125-02-9
SolubilityHighly soluble in water
Chemical NameAmmonium Chloride
Storage ConditionsCool, dry place, sealed containers
pH (aqueous solution)Neutral to slightly acidic (approx. 4-6)

Applications

  • Fertilizer production
  • Metalworking flux
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Textile processing
  • Food additive

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaNH4Cl
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg drums, 200kg drums
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
CAS Number12125-02-9
SolubilityHighly soluble in water
Chemical NameAmmonium Chloride
Storage ConditionsCool, dry place, sealed containers
pH (aqueous solution)Neutral to slightly acidic (approx. 4-6)

Product Features

  • - White crystalline powder form
  • - Highly soluble in water
  • - Hygroscopic in nature
  • - Dissociates to release NH4+ and Cl- ions
  • - Melting point approx. 338°C
  • - Neutral to slightly acidic aqueous pH

Industries Served

  • - Agriculture and agrochemicals
  • - Metal fabrication and processing
  • - Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • - Textile dyeing and finishing
  • - Food and beverage processing

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Ammonium Chloride

What is Ammonium Chloride used for in agriculture?

It provides a soluble nitrogen source for fertilizers, enhancing plant growth by supplying ammonium ions that plants readily absorb.

Can Zenco Systems Ltd supply Ammonium Chloride outside Kenya?

Yes, we distribute Ammonium Chloride across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring East African countries, supporting regional industrial supply chains.

Is Ammonium Chloride suitable for pharmaceutical use?

Zenco Systems Ltd offers grades suitable for pharmaceutical applications, subject to buyer-specified purity. Confirm with us for pharma grade certification and compliance.

How should Ammonium Chloride be stored to maintain quality?

Store in sealed containers, in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent caking and chemical degradation due to its hygroscopic nature.

What packaging options are available for Ammonium Chloride?

Available in 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, and 200 kg drums, suitable for various-sized operations and facilitating ease of transport within East Africa.

Does Ammonium Chloride require special handling precautions?

Yes, use gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to avoid irritation from dust. Refer to the SDS for detailed safety and first aid information.

What is the typical purity of Ammonium Chloride supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd?

Exact purity depends on the grade ordered. Customers should confirm with us at order placement to match their specific application needs.

Can Ammonium Chloride be used as a food additive?

Yes, but only food-grade Ammonium Chloride is suitable for use in food processing, such as in baking or confectionery, and must meet food safety standards.

What industries in East Africa rely on Ammonium Chloride?

Agriculture, metalworking, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing are the primary industries utilizing Ammonium Chloride in this region.

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