Question

Show what happens when following chloride is heated:-
$N{{H}_{4}}Cl$

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that ammonium chloride is an inorganic compound whose chemical formula is $N{{H}_{4}}Cl$. It is a white crystalline salt which is highly soluble in water and the solutions of this compound are mildly acidic in nature. So here we have to talk about the heating of this inorganic compound.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss about ammonium chloride followed by its heating as follows:-
-Ammonium chloride: It is an inorganic compound and its chemical formula is $N{{H}_{4}}Cl$. It is a white crystalline salt and is also highly soluble in water. The solutions of this compound are mildly acidic in nature.
-It is usually synthesized by reacting hydrochloric acid (HCl) with ammonia ($N{{H}_{3}}$). It is also produced by Solvay’s process in order to obtain sodium carbonate as well.
-When ammonium chloride ($N{{H}_{4}}Cl$) is heated, following reaction takes place:-
$N{{H}_{4}}Cl(s)\rightleftharpoons N{{H}_{3}}(g)+HCl(g)$
When white solid ammonium chloride is strongly heated at a temperature of 340$^{\circ }C$, it thermally decomposes into two colorless gases that are hydrochloric acid with ammonia. On cooling this reaction, the process gets reversed and we obtain a solid form of ammonium chloride. Thus these gases need to be separated as soon as possible.
-This reaction can also be considered as an example of sublimation reaction which includes both physical and chemical changes in the compounds.
-Therefore the products formed on heating of $N{{H}_{4}}Cl$ are hydrochloric acid (HCl) with ammonia ($N{{H}_{3}}$).

Note:
-Remember that the heating of ammonium chloride is a reversible reaction.
-Also the production of hydrochloric acid and ammonia gas can be detected by using wet indicators at top of the test tube.