• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia odor; it crystallizes at low temperatures.

• Solubility: Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone, etc., and slightly soluble in non-polar solvents.

• Alkalinity: Weakly alkaline, it can react with acids to form salts.

• Hygroscopicity: It easily absorbs moisture and acidic gases (CO2, H2S) from the air.

• Corrosiveness: Corrosive to copper, aluminum and their alloys. 

Main uses

• Cosmetics and detergents: Used as an emulsifier, moisturizer, thickener, and pH adjuster in face creams, shampoos, facial cleansers, etc.

• Cement industry: As a grinding aid, it prevents caking and increases cement yield and early strength.

• Medicine: Used to treat burns and skin injuries, such as the main ingredient of Biafen, which can promote wound healing.

• Metal processing: Preparation of corrosion inhibitors to protect metal surfaces.

• Chemicals: Used as alkalis and catalysts in organic synthesis, or in electroplating and photographic processing.