Ammonium chloride is a chemical compound with the formula NH4Cl. It is a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. This compound is commonly used in various industrial processes, including as a flux in soldering and welding, as a fertilizer, and as an ingredient in some medications.
Definitions
Ammonium chloride is an inorganic compound that is composed of ammonium ions and chloride ions. It is also known as sal ammoniac, nushadir salt, and ammonium muriate. The chemical formula for ammonium chloride is NH4Cl.
Origin
Ammonium chloride has been known since ancient times. It was first produced by the Egyptians, who used it in the mummification process. The Greeks and Romans also used ammonium chloride for various purposes, including as a medicine and a food additive. The name “sal ammoniac” comes from the Greek word “ammos,” which means sand, and “niakos,” which means salt.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammonium chloride is “a white crystalline salt NH4Cl that is soluble in water and is used especially in dry cells, as a soldering flux, and as a fertilizer.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ammonium chloride as “a white crystalline salt used as a flux for soldering and brazing, in the manufacture of dry batteries, and as a fertilizer.”
Associations
Ammonium chloride is commonly associated with the manufacturing of dry cells, which are used in batteries. It is also used as a flux in soldering and welding, as well as in the production of fertilizers. Ammonium chloride is also used in some medications, such as cough syrups and expectorants.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ammonium chloride include sal ammoniac, nushadir salt, and ammonium muriate.
Antonyms
As ammonium chloride is a chemical compound, it does not have any antonyms.
The same root words
Ammonium chloride contains the root words “ammonium” and “chloride.” Ammonium is derived from the Greek word “ammos,” meaning sand, while chloride is derived from the Greek word “chloros,” meaning greenish-yellow.
Example Sentences
- The dry cell battery contains ammonium chloride as a key component.
- The soldering flux contains a mixture of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride.
- The fertilizer contains a high concentration of ammonium chloride.
- The cough syrup contains ammonium chloride as an expectorant.
- The ancient Egyptians used ammonium chloride in the mummification process.