ammonium carbonate

noun

Meaning

A white, crystalline salt that releases ammonia gas when heated, commonly used in food production and smelling salts.

Examples

  • The recipe called for a small amount of ammonium carbonate to ensure the biscuits achieved the desired light texture.
  • Historically, ammonium carbonate served as the primary active ingredient in smelling salts used to revive people who had fainted.

Synonyms: hartshorn, baking ammonia, sal volatile, chemical leavener