victor809 wrote:Best guess ... in equilibrium you may have a little bit of ammonia being formed.
With heat NH4Cl will form a bit of this:
NH4Cl → NH3 + HCl
Additionally, we also know
NH4Cl + NaOH → NH3 + NaCl + H2O
So, if we assume that at equilibrium some percentage of both sides of these reactions will be represented, then it is likely some of the NH3 formed in the second reaction is reacting with the NaCl and H2O already present to re-form NH4Cl and also create NaOH.
Throw in the additional presence of MgCl2... which may be forming an equilibrium with the NaOH as well... which will create Mg(OH)2 as well.
Sh1t.... I'm way too far removed from my undergrad chemistry to start mapping this all out. Needless to say, you may be forming some compounds you aren't expecting here....
Yeah, I am definitely trying to avoid HCl since I believe that is lethal? So I have not started heating things and will likely avoid buying a boiling flask to start doing it.
NaOH is Sodium Hydroxide? Unless I made it by accident this shouldn't be present?
MgCl2 is not in this solution but I am willing to accept some contamination from previous mixes if the salts managed to form within the bag itself while evaporating.
I am just bummed about this because I didn't spend too much on the Ammonium Chloride but the smallest amount I could get on Amazon was 1 pound so I have a lot of it.
As I write this I remember it has uses in food preparation which provided more information upon searching:
Quote:It has low hygroscopicity, but it can also absorb moisture and agglomerate in wet and rainy weather. Powdered food grade Ammonium Chloride is very easy to absorb moisture, especially wet Ammonium; the moisture absorption point is generally around 76%
Again, no expert here, but maybe I am adding too much water?
edit: After looking into NaOH more I don't believe I would have made or even willingly be involved with it since it causes burns to the skin. I believe all of Boveda's stuff is designed around the idea a child or pet might get into it and it is reletively non-toxic. While I do not have kids, I do have German Shepherds so what I am making for personal use I am trying to make it non-toxic.