Acid-Base Properties of Salt Solutions:  NH4Cl

An aqueous solution of NH4Cl will be basic. The NH4+ is the cation of a weak base (NH3), thus it is an acidic ion and will effect the pH of the solution. The Cl- is from a strong acid (HCl), thus it is a neutral ion. A solution of this compound in water will, therefore, be acidic.

Send questions, comments or suggestions to
Gwen Sibert, at the
Roanoke Valley Governor's School
gsibert@rvgs.k12.va.us
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