AMMONIUM CARBAMATE
Formula: NH2COONH4; MW 78.07;
Synonyms: ammonium aminoformate; ammonium carbonate anhydride
Uses
Ammonium carbamate is used as an ammoniating agent. It occurs as a mixed salt with ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate.
Physical Properties
Colorless rhombic crystal; odor of ammonia; sublimes at 60°C; very soluble in cold water; decomposes in hot water; slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in acetone.
Preparation
Ammonium carbamate is prepared from dry ice and liquid ammonia:
CO2 + 2NH3 → NH2COONH4
Reactions
Decomposes on heating to ammonia and carbon dioxide; in contact with air at ambient temperatures, it loses ammonia, forming ammonium carbonate. In solution, it is partly hydrolyzed to carbonate.
NH2COONH4 + H2O → (NH4)2CO3
The carbamate is decomposed by acids and their salts.
