Ammonium bicarbonate

Ammonium bicarbonate (CAS 1066-33-7), also known as E503(ii) and ammonium acid carbonate, is an inorganic salt that decomposes cleanly into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water upon heating.

Where is Ammonium bicarbonate used?

• Food: chemical leavening agent in crackers, cookies, and hard biscuits
• Plays a role in creating an alkaline medium in cocoa powder production.
• Pharmaceutical: pH buffer and excipient in tablet formulations
• Used for in-gel digestion of proteins and in MALDI mass spectrometric analysis of proteins with trypsin.
• Agriculture: nitrogen source in fertilizer blends and feed additive
• Personal care: pH regulator in creams and cleansing products
• It produces gas without leaving residual salts that affect taste.

Formulation notes

• Average dosage is 5 grams per 500 grams of flour.
• Moisture and heat can accelerate its decomposition.
• Distinguished from the very similar ammonium carbonate by the greater coarseness of its crystalline powder.

Typical specification

• Treated food grade is a pure form with no more than 0.55% magnesium carbonate added as a flow aid.
• Purity is at least 99%.
• Moisture content is at most 0.5%.

Regulatory status

• Treated food grade complies with the Food Chemicals Codex monograph standards.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored in a cool, dry place in airtight closed packaging.

Frequently asked questions about Ammonium bicarbonate

What substances can decompose ammonium bicarbonate?

Strong acids and strong bases can decompose it into ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.