Ammonium acetate
Description
Ammonium acetate (CAS 631-61-8), also known by its food additive designation E264, is an ammonium salt used across food, pharmaceutical, and analytical chemistry applications.
It functions as a buffering agent, preservative, and pH regulator, and serves as a catalyst precursor in select organic synthesis processes. In food and beverage production, it is approved for use as a preservative.
It acts as an acidity regulator in baked goods, condiments, and meat products. Analytical and biotech laboratories rely on it as a volatile buffer in HPLC mobile phases and LC-MS workflows.
Its low residue profile is critical for instrument compatibility. Pharmaceutical formulators use it to prepare buffered solutions and as a reagent in API synthesis, particularly in reductive amination reactions.
In personal care, it functions as a humectant and pH stabilizer in lotions and topical formulations. The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules for various industrial needs.
Standard grades include food-grade (FCC, E264-compliant), USP/BP for pharmaceutical use, and high-purity analytical grades meeting HPLC and LC-MS specifications.
Technical grade is available for industrial and catalyst applications. This versatile chemical ensures stability and precision across diverse manufacturing and laboratory environments.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 114 °C |
| Boiling Point | 138.46°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.17 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 136 °C |
| Appearance | Ammonium acetate is a white crystalline solid. Acetic odor. |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Slight acetic acid odor |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | 1480 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.017-0.02Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.4350 (estimate) |
| pH | 6.7-7.3 (50g/l, H2O, 25℃) |
| Log P | -2.79 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29152900 |
| UN Number | 9079 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
azanium acetate|ammonium ethanoate|acetic acid, ammonium salt|RRE756S6Q2|RefChem:5546|Acetic acid, ammonium salt (1:1)|Mindererus's spirit|CH3COONH4|E264
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