Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ammonium chloride is a compound composed of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). It is commonly used as a source of ammonia in various industrial processes and can also be found in some fertilizers.
The solubility of a substance refers to its ability to dissolve in a given solvent at a specific temperature. In the case of ammonium chloride, it means how easily it dissolves in water.
A basic solution, also known as an alkaline solution, has a pH value greater than 7. It contains more hydroxide ions (OH⁻) than hydrogen ions (H⁺). It can be thought of as having excess "good guys" (OH⁻) present.
Dissociation refers to the process in which ionic compounds break apart into their respective ions when dissolved in water. In the case of ammonium chloride, it would involve breaking apart into ammonium ions and chloride ions when mixed with water.