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. This decomposition behavior makes it a practical leavening and pH-adjusting agent across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. In baked goods, particularly flat or low-moisture products like crackers, cookies, and hard biscuits, it acts as a chemical leavening agent.

The compound produces gas without leaving residual salts that affect taste. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a pH buffer and excipient in tablet formulations where controlled alkalinity is required during processing. In agriculture, it functions as a nitrogen source in fertilizer blends and as a feed additive where buffering of digestive pH is targeted. Personal care formulators apply it as a pH regulator in creams and cleansing products.

These applications require mild alkaline adjustment to maintain product stability. Ammonium bicarbonate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules. Standard commercial grades include food-grade (FCC) and pharmaceutical-grade material. The product is also available in USP, BP, and technical-grade material for industrial use. Packaging typically ranges from small bags to bulk quantities, with food and pharma grades subject to purity and heavy metal specifications.