What is the Difference Between Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride and Hydroxylammonium Chloride?

Hydroxylamine hydrochloride and hydroxylammonium chloride are closely related compounds, and both are used for similar purposes. The key difference between the two lies in their chemical structure and naming conventions:

1. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride: This compound is represented as NH₂OH·HCl. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and is useful in preparing oximes.
2. Hydroxylammonium chloride: This compound is the hydrochloric acid salt of hydroxylamine, represented as [NH3OH]+Cl⁻. It is used in organic synthesis for the preparation of oximes, hydroxamic acids, and N- and O-substituted hydroxylamines. Additionally, it is used in surface treatments, such as the preparation of anti-skinning agents, corrosion inhibitors, and cleaner additives.

Both compounds can be used interchangeably in various applications, including reducing agents and pharmaceuticals.

Comparative Table: Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride vs Hydroxylammonium Chloride

The main difference between hydroxylamine hydrochloride and hydroxylammonium chloride is that hydroxylamine hydrochloride is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in preparing oximes, while hydroxylammonium chloride is the hydrochloric acid salt of hydroxylamine and is used in organic synthesis for the preparation of oximes and hydroxamic acids. Here is a comparison table of their differences and similarities:

Both hydroxylamine hydrochloride and hydroxylammonium chloride are closely related compounds and share the same chemical formula, NH₂OH·HCl.