Ammonium Acetate Organic or Inorganic
On the Attributes of Ammonium Acetate
Today there is a substance called ammonium acetate. It is often debated whether it is organic or inorganic, which is a key issue in chemistry.

Organic, in the past, was derived from living organisms, containing elements such as hydrocarbons, with complex structures and the characteristics of covalent bonds. Ammonium acetate is composed of ammonium ions and acetate ions. In acetate, carbon is connected to hydrogen and oxygen in a specific structure. This structure contains carbon chains and has the typical functional groups of organic compounds.

Inorganic, mostly simple structures, are common in non-life-related substances such as minerals. Ammonium ion, similar to the common ionic form in inorganic compounds. However, looking at ammonium acetate as a whole, due to the existence of acetate, it cannot be simply regarded as inorganic.

Considering chemical theory, the definition of organic compounds is broad, and carbon-containing compounds are mostly classified in this category, with a few exceptions such as carbon oxides and carbonates. Ammonium acetate contains carbon, and its acetate structure is different from typical inorganic compounds. Therefore, according to mainstream chemical cognition, ammonium acetate belongs to the category of organic compounds. Although ammonium ions have the appearance of inorganic ions, the overall properties are closely related to organic compounds. This judgment is based on its chemical structure, reaction characteristics and other considerations, and is not a one-sided conclusion.