ammonium carbonate (redirected from sal volatile)

ammonium /am·mo·ni·um/ (ah-mo´ne-um) the hypothetical radical, NH4, forming salts analogous to those of the alkaline metals.

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ammonium carbonate  a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) and ammonium carbamate (NH2CO2NH4), used as a stimulant, as in smelling salts, and as an expectorant.

ammonium chloride  a systemic and urinary acidifying agent and diuretic, also used orally as an expectorant.

ammonium lactate  lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, applied topically in the treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris and xerosis.

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ammonium carbonate

n.

1. A carbonate of ammonium.

2. The double salt of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate, produced commercially and used in powder form in smelling salts.