Ammonium Sulphate
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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Uses
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.
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
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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.