Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃)
High nitrogen content agricultural fertilizer, industrial chemical and explosive raw material
Overview
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃, CAS No: 6484-52-2) is an inorganic salt in white crystalline form. It is widely used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture and as an explosive raw material (ANFO) in the mining industry.
Ammonium nitrate has high water solubility (150 g/100 mL at 20°C) and is hygroscopic. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can exhibit explosive properties when mixed with combustible materials. In agricultural applications, it provides nitrogen in both nitrate and ammonium forms for rapid plant growth.
Applications
Ammonium Nitrate has a wide range of industrial and agricultural applications:
Agricultural Fertilizer
With high nitrogen content (34.5% N), it promotes rapid plant growth. Balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen in both nitrate and ammonium forms.
Explosives Industry (ANFO)
Main component of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) explosives used in mining and construction. Low-cost and safe explosive raw material.
Cooling Packs
Used in single-use cooling packs due to its endothermic dissolution property. Provides rapid cooling when mixed with water.
Chemical Industry
Used as an intermediate in the production of other nitrate salts. Involved in nitric acid and ammonia production processes.
Gas Generators
Used as a gas generator in automotive airbags and emergency slides in aircraft.
Water Treatment
Used as a nitrogen source in wastewater treatment plants to promote microbial growth.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ammonium Nitrate | - | - |
| CAS Number | 6484-52-2 | - | - |
| EC No | 229-347-8 | - | - |
| Formula | NH₄NO₃ | - | - |
| Molecular Weight | 80.04 | g/mol | - |
| Appearance | White granules or crystalline powder | - | Visual |
| Odor | Odorless | - | - |
| Nitrogen Content | ≥34.4 | % | ISO 3330 |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.5 | % | ISO 3333 |
| pH Value (10% sol.) | 5.0-6.0 | - | ISO 6598 |
| Solubility (Water, 20°C) | 150 | g/100 mL | ISO 918 |
| Density | 1.72 | g/cm³ | ISO 787 |
| Melting Point | 169.6 | °C | ISO 6321 |
| Sulfur Content | ≤0.01 | % | ISO 3425 |
| Chloride Content | ≤0.02 | % | ISO 3698 |
| Particle Size (1-4 mm) | ≥90 | % | ISO 8397 |
Safety Information
Hazard Symbols and Statements
Oxidizing Health Hazard Environmental Hazard
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
- Dust mask or respirator (when working with powder)
- Chemical goggles or face shield
- Lab coat or protective clothing
- Chemical-resistant shoes
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place
- Keep in original packaging, tightly closed
- Storage temperature: below 30°C
- Keep away from combustible materials, organic substances and acids
- Protect from sunlight and heat sources
Fire Fighting
- Suitable extinguishers: Large amounts of water
- May release toxic nitrogen oxide gases during fire
- Firefighting personnel must use full respiratory protection
- Use water for small fires, evacuate area for large fires
- Can be explosive when mixed with combustible materials
Handling and Storage
Transportation
- Ensure containers are tightly closed
- Prevent moisture contact
- Transport separately from combustible materials, organic substances and acids
- Protect from impacts and friction
- Have absorbent material available for spills
Storage
- Store in dry, cool and well-ventilated areas
- Display appropriate signage in storage area
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Store on elevated shelves
- Storage temperature should not exceed 30°C
- Store separately from other chemicals to prevent contamination
Spill Response Measures
- Evacuate exposed personnel from area
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment
- Collect spill by dry method (sweeping)
- Do not use water - very high solubility
- Wash spilled area with clean water
Regulatory Information
GHS Classification
- Oxidizing Solid Category 3
- Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4
- Skin Irritation Category 2
- Eye Irritation Category 2
- Acute Aquatic Hazard Category 1
Important Regulations
- REACH: Registered
- EPA: Listed in TSCA inventory
- European Fertilizer Regulation: EC No 2003/2003
- Ministry of Agriculture Fertilizer Regulation: Registered as fertilizer
- Explosives Regulation: Controlled substance
Compliance Certificates
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System
- OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety
- Ministry of Agriculture Fertilizer License
Environmental Information
Environmental Impact
Ammonium nitrate can cause eutrophication in aquatic environments due to its high nitrogen content. Contamination of soil and groundwater can lead to nitrate pollution. It is harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations. Proper use and application techniques are critical to minimize environmental impact.
Biodegradation
- Degraded by microbial activity in soil
- Converted to nitrite then nitrate through nitrification
- Water: May persist in nitrate form
- Air: No significant atmospheric degradation
Waste Management
- Classified as hazardous waste
- Must be disposed in licensed hazardous waste facilities
- Do not discharge to sewers or surface waters
- Large amounts can be disposed by controlled dilution with water
- Dispose in accordance with local regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ammonium nitrate used in agriculture?
Ammonium nitrate is one of the highest nitrogen fertilizers with 34.5% nitrogen content. It contains nitrogen in both nitrate (NO₃⁻) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) forms. The nitrate form is immediately available to plants, while the ammonium form remains in the soil longer and gradually converts to nitrate. This provides both rapid and sustained nutrition.
Is ammonium nitrate explosive?
Pure ammonium nitrate is not explosive by itself but is a strong oxidizing agent. It becomes explosive when mixed with combustible materials (diesel oil, coal dust, etc.). ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) used in mining is based on this principle. In pure form, it can explode under high temperature or shock wave, requiring special precautions in storage and handling.
How should ammonium nitrate be stored?
Ammonium nitrate should be stored in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Storage temperature should be below 30°C. Protect from moisture, sunlight and heat sources. Store separately from combustible materials, organic substances and acids. For large quantities, special ammonium nitrate storage facilities should be used.