TCC’s Ammonium Carbonate, also known as baker’s ammonia or hartshorn, is a white, crystalline salt with the chemical formula (NH4)2CO3. Commercial samples labeled ammonium carbonate no longer contain this compound, but a mixture that has similar ammonia content. Since it readily degrades to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide upon heating, it is used as a leavening agent and also as a smelling salt. It was a predecessor to the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking powder. It is also used in some smokeless tobacco products and as an active ingredient in cough syrup to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis.
TCC’s Ammonium Carbonate, also known as baker’s ammonia, and hartshorn, is a leavening agent that is sometimes used for flat, baked goods such as Lekuchen, cookies and flat biscuits or crackers. It is not used for cakes since the gaseous ammonia given off during baking cannot escape the thicker, higher batters and would make the baked goods smell bad. It leaves no salty or soapy taste reside as baking powder sometimes does since ammonium carbonate completely decomposes into three gasses.
Ammonium carbonate is the predecessor to the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking powder. It is also the main component in smelling salts. Additionally, it is used as an emetic and an active ingredient in some cough syrups designed to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis. It is also used as an ingredient in some smokeless tobacco products.
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TCC’s Ammonium Carbonate is a non-toxic white crystalline salt with the molecular formula (NH4)2CO3. It is also known as hartshorn or baker’s ammonia. Ammonium Carbonate is water-soluble and decomposes in hot water. It is a white powder that is used as a leavening agent in flat baked goods. It is also the main component of smelling salts. Its use as a leavening agent goes back centuries. It is the predecessor to the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking powder.
Ammonium carbonate is produced by contacting carbon dioxide and ammonia. About 7,000 tons per year are produced worldwide.
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