Is ammonium hydroxide similar to ammonium carbonate?

[smiffy180]

I'm wondering if ammonium hydroxide would give the same effects as ammonium carbonate - the smell is what i'm looking for, basically a liquid version of smelling salts.

I've seen 33% ammonium hydroxide which is widely available, looking to try something with it similar to smelling salts so any advice appreciated

[Nimby]

Ammonium hydroxide is just ammonia gas dissolved in water; it's very pungent and irritating to the eyes and nose. Smelling salts / ammonium carbonate - works by slowly decomposing and releasing ammonia gas, so the "active ingredient" is ammonia gas in both cases but the dosage, and therefore effect, could be quite different.

Do smelling salts actually work like you see in old movies?

[hidetheelephants]

Nimby said:

Do smelling salts actually work like you see in old movies?

Yes in the sense Ammonia irritates any mucous membranes it comes in contact with; waft some under your nose and it gets your attention.

[smiffy180]

Nimby said:

Ammonium hydroxide is just ammonia gas dissolved in water; it's very pungent and irritating to the eyes and nose. Smelling salts / ammonium carbonate - works by slowly decomposing and releasing ammonia gas, so the "active ingredient" is ammonia gas in both cases but the dosage, and therefore effect, could be quite different.

Do smelling salts actually work like you see in old movies?

Hmmmmm, it's the effect i'm looking for as I have an idea.......

They're used in my sport a lot so do work, i've got 2 cats though so don't notice the difference between the kitty litter and salts!

As for waking you up after being knocked out, no idea. Apparently it works?