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| Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChemSpider | |
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| Properties | |
| [NH4][OCN] | |
| Molar mass | 60.056 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Colorless crystals |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Ammoniumcyanate is aninorganic compound with the formula[NH4]+[OCN]−. It is a colorless, solidsalt.
The structure of this salt was verified byX-ray crystallography. The respective C–O and C–N distances are 1.174(8) and 1.192(7) Å, consistent with theO=C=N− description.Ammoniumcation[NH4]+ formshydrogen bonds with cyanateanionO=C=N−, but to N, not to O.[1]
The compound is notable as the precursor in theWöhler synthesis ofurea, anorganic compound, from inorganic reactants.[2] This contributed to the discarding of theVital force theory, suggested earlier byBerzelius.
