Ammonium Sulphate

Description

AMMONIUM SULPHATE

HS Code 31022100

(NH₄)₂SO₄

Properties for Ammonium Sulfate
Molar mass: 132.14 g/mol
Density: 1.769 g/cm3 (20 °C)
Melting point: 235 to 280 °C (455 to 536 °F; 508 to 553 K) (decomposes)

Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic sulfate salt obtained by reaction of sulfuric acid with two equivalents of ammonia. A high-melting (decomposes above 280?) white solid which is very soluble in water (70.6 g/100 g water at 0?; 103.8 g/100 g water at 100?), it is widely used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils.

Chemical Properties

Ammonium sulfate, also called diammonium sulfate or sulfuric acid diammonium salt, is a white crystalline solid with no smell. It tastes salty. The compound dissolves easily in water but will not dissolve in alcohol or acetone. It readily absorbs water, so if it’s exposed to moist air, it will “scab” on the damp surfaces. The chemical formula for ammonium sulfate is (NH?)?SO?. When ammonium sulfate reacts with alkaline substances, it gives off ammonia gas.

Use in Fertilizers

Ammonium sulfate is used most commonly as an artificial fertilizer for alkaline soils. When introduced into damp soil, an ammonium ion is released. This creates a small amount of acid, which lowers the pH balance of the soil. It also contributes nitrogen, which aids in plant growth. It dissolves relatively slowly, which makes it cheaper than some other artificial fertilizers. Ammonium sulfate is also used as an herbicide because it will burn the leaves of plants and either kill them outright or at least weaken them for easy removal.

Ammonium Sulphate

The product Ammonium Sulphate is composed of 21% Nitrogen and 24% Sulphur. It is essentially an inorganic salt that is obtained when Ammonia is treated with Sulphuric Acid. Ammonium Sulphate also occurs in nature as ‘Mascagnite’ which is a rare mineral that can be found in Volcanic Fumaroles. It is also commonly known as Diammonium Sulfate or Sulfuric Acid Diammonium Salt. Ammonium Sulfate is a white crystalline solid in appearance. It has no smell and is salty to taste. Although it does not cause harm, certain precautions are necessary while handling this chemical. Ammonium Sulphate has a wide variety of commercial uses, the most common being as Soil Fertiliser.

Usage

The major products that utilise Ammonium Sulphate can be classified as follows:

Fertilisers for Crops and Lawns.

Additives in Biotechnical as well as Pharmaceutical products.

Water Treatment products and as an additive in Cleaning agents.

No agriculture related Business can afford to miss using fertilisers containing Ammonium Sulphate because they help convert alkaline soil into acidic soil, thus enhancing the overall yield of crops.

The Pharmaceutical industry makes use of Ammonium Sulphate for water purification and in the manufacture of vaccines. Ammonium Sulphate helps the Pharmaceutical industry by salting out excess proteins and contaminants.

Ammonium Sulphate also works as an excellent decontaminant. As such, it is used in detergents, toothpaste, shampoo, dental cleansers and a host of other household cleaning products. It can also soften water excellently.