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.

Acidulants
Antioxidants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
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Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders