Introduction
Ammonium chloride is a white crystalline salt that is commonly used in fertilizer and as a flux in soldering. Its enthalpy of solution refers to the amount of heat released or absorbed when a substance dissolves in a solvent. In this article, we will explore the enthalpy of solution of ammonium chloride and its applications.
Enthalpy of Solution
The enthalpy of solution of ammonium chloride is -28.2 kJ/mol. This means that when one mole of ammonium chloride dissolves in water, 28.2 kJ of heat is released. This value is negative because the process of dissolving ammonium chloride is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat.
Factors Affecting Enthalpy of Solution
The enthalpy of solution of a substance can be affected by various factors, such as temperature, pressure, and concentration. In the case of ammonium chloride, the enthalpy of solution decreases as the temperature increases. This is because at higher temperatures, the solubility of ammonium chloride in water increases, and more heat is required to dissolve the salt.
Applications
The enthalpy of solution of ammonium chloride has various applications in industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. In agriculture, ammonium chloride is used as a fertilizer to provide nitrogen to plants. The exothermic reaction that occurs when ammonium chloride dissolves in soil releases heat, which promotes the growth of plants. In the pharmaceutical industry, ammonium chloride is used as an expectorant to relieve coughs and congestion. The exothermic reaction that occurs when ammonium chloride dissolves in the body produces heat, which helps to loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. In chemical manufacturing, the enthalpy of solution of ammonium chloride is used to control the temperature of reactions. The exothermic reaction that occurs when ammonium chloride dissolves in a solvent can be used to maintain a constant temperature during chemical reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the enthalpy of solution of ammonium chloride is an important property that has various applications in industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. Its exothermic reaction when dissolving in water makes it useful in controlling reaction temperatures and promoting plant growth.