Smelling salts are also known as ammonium carbonate, a whitish, crystalline solid ((NH₄)₂CO₃.H₂O).

• When placed in water, it is called "aromatic spirits of ammonia."

• Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia ^* gas that accompanies their use irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex (that is, it causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster). One such smelling salt is ammonium carbonate (NH₄)₂CO₃.

Lugtesalt | Riechsalz | Hajusuola | Ammoniumkarbonat