Ammonium Sulphate

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Ammonium Sulphate is an inorganic salt with the formula (NH₄)₂SO₄. It appears as a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and is widely used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen and sulfur content. Besides agriculture, ammonium sulphate finds extensive use in industrial processes, food additives, pharmaceutical applications, and water treatment. It acts as a soil amendment to improve nitrogen levels and acidity, a flocculating agent in water purification, and a stabilizer or precipitant in biochemical and pharmaceutical formulations.

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Categories: Fertilizers, Flocculants and Coagulants Tags: Agricultural chemical, Ammonium sulphate, Fertilizer Additive, Flame retardant, Inorganic salt, Water treatment chemical

Description

Table of Contents

Ammonium Sulphate

Primary Uses

Agriculture & Fertilizers

Used predominantly as a nitrogen fertilizer to provide plants with essential nitrogen and sulfur nutrients.
Helps improve soil fertility and crop yields, especially on alkaline soils where it also lowers soil pH.
Commonly applied for cereal crops, vegetables, fruits, and turfgrass.

Industrial Applications

Used as a flame retardant in textiles and paper products.
Acts as a precipitating agent in protein purification and biochemical research.
Utilized as a stabilizer in some pharmaceutical formulations.

Water Treatment

Functions as a flocculant to aid in the removal of impurities and suspended solids from wastewater.
Helps control pH and remove contaminants.

Food Industry

Sometimes used as an acidity regulator and dough conditioner in baking.
Listed as a food additive (E517) in some regions, employed as an anti-caking agent or dough improver.

Secondary Uses

Pharmaceuticals

Used as an excipient and stabilizer in tablet and capsule formulations.
Occasionally used in intravenous solutions to supply ammonium ions.

Laboratory & Research

Used in protein precipitation protocols such as ammonium sulfate precipitation to fractionate proteins by solubility.
Employed as a reagent for analytical chemistry.

Other Niche Applications

Used in the manufacture of flame retardants, dyes, and other chemicals.
Occasionally in textile industry as a mordant.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ammonium sulfate
Common/Trade Names: Ammonium Sulphate, Diammonium Sulfate
CAS Number: 7783-20-2
HS Code: 3102.20.00
Molecular Formula: (NH₄)₂SO₄
Synonyms: Diammonium sulfate, Ammonium sulphate

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
Color & Odor: White, odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes at ~235 °C
Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes)
Density: ~1.77 g/cm³
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~70.6 g/100 mL at 25°C), insoluble in alcohol and organic solvents
pH Level: Aqueous solution is mildly acidic (~5.5–6.0)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Non-flammable
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes on heating

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; irritant to eyes and skin
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
Exposure Limits (OSHA PEL/ACGIH TLV): No specific limits, low toxicity
Reactivity: Stable; incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases
Potential Hazards: Dust may cause irritation to respiratory tract; large ingestion can be harmful

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from moisture
Container Type: Plastic or metal drums/bags with moisture barrier
Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly in sealed containers
Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use protective equipment when handling large quantities

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:
- FDA (USA): Approved as a food additive (21 CFR 184.1139)
- EFSA (EU): Approved (E517)
- JECFA: ADI not specified (generally recognized as safe)
Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local regulations; non-hazardous waste

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life but excessive use can cause eutrophication
Persistence: Biodegradable; ammonium ions assimilate in soil and water
Carcinogenicity: Not carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, goggles, dust mask when handling powders to prevent inhalation and skin/eye contact.
Handling: Avoid generating dust; handle in well-ventilated area.
Storage: Keep container tightly sealed; protect from moisture.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use; do not eat or smoke while handling.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if irritation or breathing difficulties occur, seek medical help.
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap; if irritation develops, consult a doctor.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink plenty of water; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ for surrounding fires.
Special Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation during fire; wear protective breathing apparatus if necessary.