Ingredient Dictionary

AMMONIUM ACETATE

Ammonium acetate is an ammonium salt obtained by reaction of ammonia with acetic acid.

Definition

Ammonium acetate is an ammonium salt obtained by reaction of ammonia with acetic acid. A deliquescent white crystalline solid, it has a relatively low melting point (114C) for a salt. Used as a food acidity regulator, although no longer approved for this purpose in the EU. It has a role as a buffer and a food acidity regulator. It is an ammonium salt and an acetate salt.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII RRE756S6Q2 · registered name AMMONIUM ACETATE · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Keeps pH steadyBUFFERING

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name 酢酸アンモニウム: 本品は、酢酸のアンモニウム塩であり、次の化学式で表される。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

AMMONIUM ACETATEINCI암모늄아세테이트Korean label name (MFDS standard)Acetic acid, ammonium saltSynonym酢酸アンモニウムJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 631-61-8
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 211-162-9
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID5023873
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID203873

IUPAC: Ammonium acetate
Molecular formula: C2H7NO2
Molecular weight: 77.083 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Ammonium acetate appears as a white crystalline solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. It is used in chemical analysis, in pharmaceuticals, in preserving foods, and for other uses. · CBI, Dry Powder, Liquid, Other Solid
Odour: SLIGHT ACETOUS ODOR
Melting point: 237.2 °F (USCG, 1999) · 114 °C
Solubility: SOL IN LESS THAN 1 PART WATER, FREELY SOL IN ALCOHOL, SLIGHTLY SOL IN ACETONE. · 148 G/100 CC WATER AT 4 °C, 7.89 G/100 CC METHANOL AT 15 °C
Density: 1.17 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · SP GR: 1.17 AT 20 °C/4 °C
Stability: DELIQUESCENT, TENDS TO LOSE AMMONIA.
pH: VERY CONCENTRATED SOLN IS SLIGHTLY ACID & 0.5 MOLAR AQ SOLN HAS PH 7.0. · 7.0
Colour: white
Melting/freezing point: 114 ℃
Vapour pressure: 0.000131 ㎜Hg (25℃(est.))
Water solubility: 100 g/100㎖ (25℃(est.))
Relative density: 1.073-1.17
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -2.79 (est.)
Molecular weight: 77.08

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 15 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

pH regulating agent6
Catalyst2
Soil amendments2
Thickening agent1
Anti-freeze agent1
Photosensitive agent1
Intermediate1
Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not other1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

2 skin studies and 3 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 5 studies

Category 6.3B (Category 3)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) according to