What is Ammonium Sulfate?
Ammonium Sulfate is an inorganic salt with a chemical formula (NH4)2SO4.
Ammonium Sulfate is non-hazardous to humans. It is also known as Diammonium sulfate or Sulphuric acid diammonium salt. It has no smell and dissolves in water easily. It does not dissolve in acetone. It appears as a crystalline solid white and has a salty taste. It is widely used as a fertilizer for soil which contains 21% nitrogen and 24% sulphur.
Table of Contents
- Structure of Ammonium sulphate
- Preparation of Ammonium sulphate
- Chemical Properties of Ammonium sulphate
- Uses of Ammonium sulphate
- FAQs
Ammonium Sulfate Structure – (NH4)2SO4
Ammonium Sulfate Structure – (NH4)2SO4
Chemical Data of Ammonium Sulfate – (NH4)2SO4
| (NH4)2SO4 | Ammonium Sulfate |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 132.14 g/mol |
| Density | 1.77 g/cm³ |
| Appears | Fine white crystals or hygroscopic granules |
| Melting Point | 235 to 280 °C |
Preparation of Ammonium Sulfate (NH4)2SO4
- Ammonium sulfate occurs naturally from the mineral mascagnite in volcanic fumaroles and due to coal fires on some dumps.
- Ammonium sulfate is formed by adding finely divided gypsum to an ammonium carbonate solution.
(NH4)2CO3 + CaSO4 → (NH4)2SO4 + CaCO3
- Ammonium sulfate is also formed by treating ammonia with sulphuric acid.
2 NH3 + H2SO4 → (NH4)2SO4
Chemical Properties of Ammonium Sulfate (NH4)2SO4
- Ammonium sulfate decomposes upon heating above 250 °C, forming ammonium bisulfate. heating at higher temperatures results in decomposition into ammonia, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and water.
(NH4)2SO4 → (NH4)HSO4 + NH3
Uses of Ammonium Sulfate (NH4)2SO4
- It is used in the chemical fractionation of proteins
- It is used as a food additive
- It is used as a flame retardant
- It is used in the precipitation of ammonium per sulfate and other ammonium salts
- It is used as a vaccine to control various diseases
- It is used as a cleaning additive
- It is used as a pH controller for solutions and cultures
- It is used in wall board as a binding material
- It is used in the tanning of leather
- It is used in medicine as it is safe for consumption
- It is used as a dough conditioner in bread products
- It is used in textile industries
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is ammonium sulphate used for?
Ammonium sulfate is mainly used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils. The ammonium ion is released in the soil and produces a small amount of acid, reducing the soil’s pH balances while also adding vital nitrogen to plant production.
Is ammonium sulfate an acid or base?
The reaction between the sulphuric acid and the ammonium hydroxide produces ammonium sulfate. Sulphuric acid is a strong acid and ammonium hydroxide is a weak base. Therefore, the salt formed by ammonium sulphate is acidic.
Why is ammonium sulphate not used as fertilizer?
For alkaline soils, ammonium sulfate is used as a fertilizer because ammonium ion forms small amounts of acid which lowers soil pH. Its proper usage controls the pH of alkaline soil and retains sound levels of nitrogen in the soil.
Is ammonium oxalate soluble in water?
Ammonium oxalate is a water-soluble, white crystalline solid. It is classified typically as a monohydrate. Ammonium oxalate is at 20°C with a density of 1.5 g / cm3.
What type of compound is ammonium oxalate?
Ammonium oxalate is a chemical formula inorganic compound C2H8N2O4. It is also called oxalate diammonium, or salt diammonium. Ammonium Oxalate is an ammonium-rich oxalate salt. Ammonium oxalate is a highly active dicarboxylic acid.
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