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.

Description

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.
PRODUCT KEY 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.