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Ammonium thiocyanate

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Identification
Molecular formula
NH4SCN
CAS number
1762-95-4
IUPAC name
ammonium;thiocyanate
State
State

At room temperature, ammonium thiocyanate is a solid compound. It is often found in a crystalline form and can be solubilized in water and ethanol.

Melting point (Celsius)
149.80
Melting point (Kelvin)
422.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
170.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
443.15
General information
Molecular weight
76.12g/mol
Molar mass
76.1220g/mol
Density
1.3050g/cm3
Appearence

Ammonium thiocyanate typically appears as a colorless crystalline solid. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and may appear slightly moist or clumped in humid conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Ammonium Thiocyanate

Ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) is a fascinating compound known for its solubility properties. This compound is highly soluble in water, with its solubility effectively influenced by temperature. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Ammonium thiocyanate is extremely soluble in water, and can dissolve up to approximately 76 grams per 100 mL of water at room temperature.
  • Temperature Effect: The solubility of NH4SCN increases significantly with rising temperature, making it an important compound in endothermic reactions where heat absorption occurs.
  • Facilitated ionization: Upon dissolution, ammonium thiocyanate dissociates into ammonium ions (NH4+) and thiocyanate ions (SCN-), which contributes to its high ionic solubility.

Moreover, it is intriguing to note that amidst its properties, ammonium thiocyanate's solubility can sometimes impact the environment. The compound's solubility highlights its versatility in chemical processes, particularly in the formation of thiocyanate salts with various cations.

In summary, the high water solubility of ammonium thiocyanate signifies its importance in various chemical applications, both in academia and industry, while showcasing the relationship between temperature and solubility in ionic compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Ammonium Thiocyanate

Ammonium thiocyanate is a fascinating compound with diverse applications across various fields of chemistry and industry. Here are some intriguing aspects of this chemical:

1. Structure and Properties

  • Composition: Ammonium thiocyanate consists of the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the thiocyanate ion (SCN).
  • Ionic Nature: Being an ionic compound, it readily dissociates in solution, which makes it a subject of study in solubility and conductivity.

2. Uses in Industry

  • Fertilizers: It acts as a nitrogen source and is used in agricultural fertilizers.
  • Analytical Chemistry: In lab settings, ammonium thiocyanate is employed in various analyses, especially in determining metal ions.
  • Photographic Chemicals: This compound has roles in photographic processing, notably in the development of film.

3. Unique Reactions

Ammonium thiocyanate showcases interesting chemical reactivity:

  • When heated, it can decompose to produce ammonia gas and other nitrogen-based compounds, which illustrates its utility in thermochemical studies.
  • It can also react with various metal ions to form colored complexes, making it useful in visual demonstrations in classroom settings.

4. Thermodynamic Applications

One of the remarkable features of ammonium thiocyanate is its ability to endothermically dissolve in water, which can be observed in cooling packs. This characteristic has led to its use in:

  • Chemical Cooling Packs: When it dissolves, it absorbs heat, providing an immediate cooling effect.

5. Safety Considerations

While ammonium thiocyanate is commonly used, it is essential to handle it with care:

  • Always wear appropriate protective gear to avoid any irritation from skin contact or inhalation.
  • Be mindful of environmental impacts, as thiocyanate can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems.

In conclusion, ammonium thiocyanate serves as more than just a chemical formula; it presents an exciting array of concepts for students and researchers alike to explore in the realms of chemistry and environmental sciences.

Synonyms
AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE
1762-95-4
Ammonium isothiocyanate
Thiocyanic acid, ammonium salt
Trans-aid
Ammonium rhodanide
Ammoniumrhodanid
Ammonium sulfocyanide
Thiocyanic acid, ammonium salt (1:1)
Ammonium rhodanate
Rhodanine, ammonium salt
Ammonium sulfocyanate
USAF EK-P-433
HSDB 701
EINECS 217-175-6
NSC 31184
Thiocyanic acid ammonium salt (1:1)
YYL9152Z1Y
DTXSID3029653
AI3-08542
DTXCID809653
AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE [MI]
EC 217-175-6
AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE [HSDB]
Thiocyanic acid ammonium salt
AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE [WHO-DD]
NSC-31184
ammonium cyanosulfanide
ammonium thiocyanic acid
NH4NCS
AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE [INCI]
UN 3077
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 068200
217-175-6
NH4SCN
(N H4) (S C N)
AmmoniumThiocyante
MFCD00011428
UNII-YYL9152Z1Y
azanium;thiocyanate
CH4N2S
AKCVYIQWJFHSTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-O
Ammonium thiocyanate, ACS reagent
CHEBI:231858
Tox21_301967
AKOS015915185
AKOS030228317
FA38875
NCGC00255174-01
CAS-1762-95-4
A3088
NS00081989