Smelling salt in the context of Eucalyptus oil

⭐ Core Definition: Smelling salt

Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, spirit of hartshorn, or sal volatile, are chemical compounds used as stimulants to restore consciousness after fainting.

The usual active compound is ammonium carbonate—a colorless-to-white, crystalline solid ((NH₄)₂CO₃). Since most modern solutions are mixed with water, they may also be called aromatic spirits of ammonia. Modern solutions may also contain other products to perfume or act in conjunction with the ammonia, such as lavender oil or eucalyptus oil.

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Smelling salt in the context of Ammonium carbonate

Ammonium carbonate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula [N H₄]₂C O₃. It is an ammonium salt of carbonic acid. It is composed of ammonium cations [NH₄] and carbonate anions CO2−3. Since ammonium carbonate readily degrades to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide upon heating, it is used as a leavening agent and also as smelling salt. It is also known as baker's ammonia and is a predecessor to the more modern leavening agents baking soda and baking powder. It is a component of what was formerly known as sal volatile and salt of hartshorn, and produces a pungent smell when baked. It comes in the form of a white powder or block, with a molar mass of 96.09 g/mol and a density of 1.50 g/cm. It is a strong electrolyte.

View the full Wikipedia page for Ammonium carbonate

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