Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

name         Mr. Wesson
status       educator
age          40s

Question -   Does anyone know what two compounds are used in the
"chemical ice packs"?
I'm referring to the kind that you twist in your hand to break
a small tube that allows the two chemicals to mix.  The reaction is
so endothermic that it cools just as well as an ice pack.
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Mr. Wesson,

Some contain water and ammonium chloride. Dissolution of this compound in
water is a strongly endothermic reaction.

Regards,

ProfHoff
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