Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline powder at room temperature. It is the nitrate salt of the ammonium cation that is highly soluble in water. Ammonium nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can react with other incompatible materials, so it is very important to store and handle ammonium nitrate correctly.
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Plus, it is used as an oxidizing agent in explosives.
Characterization of Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is a key component of many fertilizers since it is very rich in nitrogen. Plus, it is used as a component of explosives in the mining industry. Ammonium nitrate is not acid, but the solution is acidic since it is a salt with a weak base (ammonium hydroxide) and a heavy nitric acid. Some properties of this substance include:
- Its molar mass is 80.043 g. mol-1.
- Its melting point is 169.6°C.
- It is decomposed at 210°C.
- Its density is 1.725 gcm–3
Applications of Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is mostly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Additionally, it is used as a component of explosive mixtures in mining and construction. Some uses of Ammonium nitrate include:
- It is used in fertilizers.
- It is used in herbicides and insecticides.
- It is used as an oxidizing agent in explosives.
- It is used in instant cold packs.
- It is used as a nutrient for yeast and antibiotics.
- It is used to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores in meats.
Ammonium nitrate production
Ammonium nitrate is produced by neutralizing nitric acid with ammonia. The reaction is given below:
NH3+HNO3→NH4NO3
The process involves some operations including:
- Solution formation and concentration,
- Solids formation,
- Finishing,
- Screening and coating,
- Product bagging
Solid Ammonium nitrate may be produced in the form of grains, granules, or crystals. operating steps employed depend on the required specifications of the product.
Ammonium nitrate storage
Ammonium nitrate does not burn, but in contact with other combustible materials, it increases fire hazard and supports fire. It should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated facility. Other storage conditions include:
- Ammonium nitrate should be kept away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, and open flames.
- Ammonium nitrate should be stored away from combustible materials and incompatibilities.
- Ammonium nitrate should be protected against external exposure, such as humidity, UV radiation, and direct light irradiation.
- Recommended storage temperature for Ammonium Nitrate is in the range of 15 – 25 °C.
- Ammonium nitrate Decomposition takes place at temperatures above 180 °C.
Ammonium nitrate health hazards
Ammonium nitrate is a strong oxidizer, the Technical Committee (TC) classified Ammonium nitrate as a Class 2 Oxidizer. Under normal handling conditions, Ammonium nitrate is not harmful. However, inhalation of high concentrations of ammonium nitrate dust can cause respiratory tract irritation. Some handling conditions of Ammonium nitrate include:
- Avoid contamination of foreign materials, especially if that material is combustible or incompatible.
- Store Ammonium nitrate away from heat sources and naked flames.
- Store Ammonium nitrate away from explosives.
FAQ
Can Ammonium nitrate explode?
At high temperatures, Ammonium nitrate can decompose on its own. It is this rapid release of gases that causes an explosion.
What is the most important application of Ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is used commonly in fertilizers; herbicides, and insecticides. Plus, it is used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants, and a nutrient for yeast and antibiotics.
What is the formula of Ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NH4NO3.
What precautions should be taken when using Ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate should be kept out of a confined space such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion.
How much Ammonium nitrate can dissolve in water?
Ammonium nitrate readily dissolves in water by dissociating into its constituent ions. 150 g Ammonium nitrate can dissolve in 100 ml water (20 °C).
How much does Ammonium nitrate cost per kg?
ArChem Ammonium nitrate can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, Prices are different. for more information about Ammonium nitrate price, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.
What is the production reaction of Ammonium nitrate?
The industrial production of Ammonium nitrate entails the acid-base reaction of ammonia with nitric acid: HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO.