Ammonium Sulfate
WHAT IS AMMONIUM SULFATE?
Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂SO₄. It consists of two ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and one sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). The compound is often encountered as a white crystalline solid, but it can also be found in various forms such as powder, granules, or in solution. Ammonium sulfate is a mineral salt. This mineral composition has many uses in different industries. A significant percentage of this material is used to prepare ammonium fertilizers and nitrogenous fertilizers. These agricultural fertilizers generally contain 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur. If you have heard the name of nitrogen (N) fertilizers for crop production, it refers to this compound of ammonium sulfate. This material is one of the first and most widely used nitrogen fertilizers, but it is currently less used! But if fertilizers containing N and sulfur (S) are especially needed in some cases, this mineral composition will be very valuable. Its high solubility has made it used for many agricultural applications.
Here are some key points about ammonium sulfate:
- Chemical Formula: (NH₄)₂SO₄
- Molar Mass: Approximately 132.14 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Solubility: It is highly soluble in water.
- Production: Ammonium sulfate can be produced by neutralizing sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) with ammonia (NH₃).
AMMONIUM SULFATE PRODUCTION METHODS
This chemical compound is prepared by treating ammonia, often as a by-product of coke ovens, in the presence of sulfuric acid; You can see this equation in the following section:
2NH3 + H2SO4 → (NH4)2SO4
A mixture of ammonia gas and water vapor enters a reactor; The reactor contains a saturated solution of ammonium sulfate and about 2 to 4% free sulfuric acid at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. Concentrated sulfuric acid is added to adjust the acidic environment of the solution and maintain the free acid level. The heat of reaction keeps the reactor temperature constant at 60 degrees Celsius. Dry and powdered ammonium sulfate is formed by spraying sulfuric acid in the reaction chamber, filled with ammonia gas. The heat of the reaction evaporates all the water in the system and forms a powdered salt. This material is also produced from gypsum with the chemical formula CaSO4.2H2O. Gypsum is crushed into very small pieces and added to ammonium carbonate solution. Calcium carbonate precipitates as a solid, leaving ammonium sulfate in solution. You can see this reaction in the following section:
2CO3 (NH4) + CaSO4 → (NH4) 2SO4 + CaCO3
PROPERTIES OF AMMONIUM SULFATE
STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Ammonium sulfate is a salt of ammonia and sulfuric acid. Under standard temperature and pressure conditions, this compound takes the form of fine white grains or crystalline crystals. This substance does not dissolve in alcohol or liquid ammonia. It has a little moisture absorption property and absorbs water from the air at a relative humidity above 81% (at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius).
Ammonium sulfate becomes ferroelectric at a temperature lower than -49.5 degrees Celsius. At room temperature, it crystallizes in the orthorhombic structural system.
AMMONIUM SULFATE REACTIONS:
This substance decomposes when heated at a temperature higher than 250 degrees Celsius; In this process, ammonium bisulfate is initially formed. Heating at higher temperatures causes it to decompose into ammonia, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and water.
Ammonium sulfate solution, as a salt of a strong acid (sulfuric acid) and a weak base (ammonia), has acidic properties. pH of 0.1 mm solution is equal to 5.5. In aqueous solutions, the reactions are related to ammonium and sulfate ions. For example, adding barium chloride produces barium sulfate as a precipitate.
When a solution of this substance is mixed with equal concentration solutions of metal sulfate and the solution is slowly evaporated, it produces various double salts (ammonium metal sulfates).
With trivalent metal ions, compounds such as ferric ammonium sulfate are formed. Bimetallic sulfates include cobalt ammonium sulfate, iron diammonium sulfate, and nickel ammonium sulfate.
APPLICATIONS OF AMMONIUM SULFATE
1- AS AGRICULTURAL FERTILIZER:
The first applications of ammonium sulfate, this nitrogen fertilizer, were known as fertilizers for alkaline soils. In the soil, the ammonium ion is released and forms a small amount of acid, and in this condition, the pH of the soil decreases; While the nitrogen necessary for plant growth is distributed in the soil. The most important disadvantage of using this nitrogen fertilizer is its low nitrogen content compared to ammonium nitrate fertilizers. This property of this fertilizer is used for fruit trees.
It is also used as a spray regulator of insecticides, herbicides and water-soluble fungicides for agriculture.
2- AS A FOOD ADDITIVE:
As a food additive, this substance is generally recognized as a safe compound by the US Food and Drug Administration and is introduced in the European Union under the number E517. The edible grade of this material is used as a regulator of acidity in flour and bread.
3- APPLICATION OF AMMONIUM SULFATE IN INDUSTRY:
- In drinking water purification, this substance is used in combination with chlorine to produce monochloramine for disinfection.
- It is used on a small scale in the preparation of other ammonium salts, especially ammonium persulfate.
- It is used as the main ingredient of many vaccines in the United States by the Center for Disease Control.
- A saturated solution of this substance in heavy water (D2O) is used as an external standard in NMR spectroscopy for sulfur (33S).
- It has also been used in fire retardant compounds that act like diammonium phosphate. As a flame retardant, this compound can increase the combustion temperature of materials.
- It has been used as a wood preservative, but due to its moisture absorption properties, it causes problems associated with corrosion of metal joints and has been largely discontinued in these applications.
USES OF AMMONIUM SULFATE
Fertilizer: One of the primary uses of ammonium sulfate is as a fertilizer. It provides a source of both nitrogen and sulfur for plants, essential nutrients for their growth.
Industrial Applications: It is used in various industrial processes, such as in the production of chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Laboratory Reagent: Ammonium sulfate is sometimes used in laboratories as a reagent for protein purification.
Flame Retardant: In certain applications, it is used as a flame retardant. The use of ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer is particularly significant. The nitrogen in the ammonium ion is readily absorbed by plants, and the sulfate ion provides a source of sulfur, which is another essential nutrient. Its use as a fertilizer is especially common in alkaline soils, where the acidic nature of ammonium sulfate can help lower the soil pH. It’s important to handle ammonium sulfate with care as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes, and inhalation of its dust should be avoided. Ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2 SO4] was one of the first and most widely used nitrogen (N) fertilizers for crop production. It is now less commonly used, but especially valuable where both N and sulfur (S) are required. Its high solubility provides versatility for a number of agricultural applications.
Agricultural Use: Ammonium sulfate is used primarily where there is a need for supplemental N and S to meet the nutritional requirement of growing plants. Since it contains only 21% N, there are other fertilizer sources that are more concentrated and economical to handle and transport. However, it provides an excellent source of S which has numerous essential functions in plants, including protein synthesis. Because the N fraction is present in the ammonium form, ammonium sulfate is frequently used in flooded soils for rice production, where nitrate-based fertilizers are a poor choice due to denitrification losses. A solution containing dissolved ammonium sulfate is often added to post-emergence herbicide sprays to improve their effectiveness at weed control. This practice of increasing herbicide efficacy with ammonium sulfate is particularly effective when the water supply contains significant concentrations of calcium, magnesium, or sodium. A high-purity grade of ammonium sulfate is often used for this purpose to avoid plugging spray nozzles.
MANAGMENT PRACTICES
After addition to soil, the (NH₄)₂SO₄ rapidly dissolves into its ammonium and sulfate components. If it remains on the soil surface, the ammonium may be susceptible to gaseous loss in alkaline conditions. In these situations, incorporation of the material into the soil as soon as possible…or application before an irrigation event or a predicted rainfall…is advisable. Most plants are able to utilize both ammonium and nitrate forms of N for growth. In warm soils, microbes will rapidly begin to convert ammonium to nitrate in the process of nitrification [2 NH4 + + 3O2g2NO3 – + 2H2O + 4H+ ]. During this microbial reaction, acidity [H+ ] is released, which will ultimately decrease soil pH after repeated use. Ammonium sulfate has an acidifying effect on soil due to the nitrification process…not from the presence of sulfate, which has a negligible effect on pH. The acid-producing potential of (NH₄)₂SO₄ is greater than the same N application from ammonium nitrate, for example, since all the N in ammonium sulfate will be converted to nitrate, while only half of the N from ammonium nitrate will be converted to nitrate.
NON-AGRICULTURAL USES
Ammonium sulphate is commonly added to bread products as a dough conditioner. It is also a component in fire extinguisher powder and flame-proofing agents. It is used for many applications in the chemical, wood pulp, textile, and pharmaceutical industries.
AVOIDING EXPOSURE
As with any potentially toxic chemical, it’s important to take safety precautions when using (NH₄)₂SO₄. Use ammonium sulphate only in a well-ventilated area or with a personal respirator. Wear chemical safety goggles and/or a full face safety shield if dusting or splashing solutions is possible. Also, wearing boots, gloves, and an apron or coveralls made of an impervious material like PVC will prevent skin contact. Any work area should be outfitted with an eyewash station and emergency shower in case of accidental exposure. While ammonium sulfate is used as a fertilizer and therefore is readily available, it should not be used lightly. Taking basic precautions will allow you to get the benefits of using ammonium sulphate without putting yourself at risk.
HAZARDS OF USE
Ammonium sulfate is potentially dangerous to both people and the environment, so it requires care in its use. It can cause severe irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract if inhaled. Eating or drinking (NH₄)₂SO₄ will cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, although it isn’t toxic unless consumed in large quantities. Contact with the skin or eyes will cause irritation, redness, itching, and pain. It may also be a neurotoxin, meaning it can cause confusion and behavioral changes.
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)
PURCHASE OF AMMONIUM SULFATE
Buying and selling ammonium sulphate has a well-known market as one of the most widely used compounds for the production of agricultural fertilizers and raw materials for the production of other chemical products. This mineral composition is mainly presented in the form of granular ammonium sulphate with a purity of 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur for agricultural purposes. This material is available in 50 kg packages. Ammonium sulphate fertilizer for alfalfa, for tomato, rice or wheat and onion, each should be used according to the type of plant, soil conditions and the plants’ need for nutrients. Under the supervision of a chemical expert and with the cooperation of a botanical and agricultural expert, the method of using ammonium sulphate fertilizer is determined precisely.
Points to consider when buying imported ammonium sulfate:
- Quality: Ammonium sulphate must be of high quality and free from any impurities.
- Price: The price of imported ammonium sulphate varies according to the brand, quality, type of packaging and country of origin.
- Type: Ammonium sulphate is produced in the form of powder, crystal and granules. Choose the type you want according to your needs.
- Necessary permits: Before buying imported ammonium sulphate, ensure the authenticity and health of the product, as well as the necessary permits for its entry into the country.
STORAGE AND HANDLING GUIDELINES
Store in a securely sealed container within a cool, dry, well-ventilated space to prevent physical damage. Ensure isolation from incompatible substances. Exercise caution when handling empty containers, as they may still contain product residues (such as dust or solids); adhere to all warnings and precautions outlined for the specific product.
TANSPORT & PACKAGING
Granular Ammonium sulfate
Ammonium sulphate for technical applications is solely supplied in small packaging of different sizes. It can be packaged in various items: 25 kg bags, 50 kg bags and in 1000 kg big bags.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF AMMONIUM SULPHATE INDUSTRIAL GRADE
| Parameter | Standard | Limiting value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonium sulphate | Ma.-% | min. 99.00 | 84-512 |
| Ammonium nitrogen content | Ma.-% | min. 21.00 | 84-512 |
| Water content | Ma.-% | max. 0.2 | 84-503 |
| Particle size 0.4 – 1.6 mm | Ma.-% | min. 90 | 84-539 |
| Content of conditioning | Ma.-% | max. 0.05 | 84-50 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF AMMONIUM SULPHATE SPECIAL GRADE
| Parameter | Standard | Limiting value | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonium sulphate | Ma.-% | min. 99.00 | 84-512 |
| Ammonium nitrogen content | Ma.-% | min. 21.00 | 84-512 |
| Water content | Ma.-% | max. 0.2 | 84-503 |
| Particle size 0.4 - 1.6 mm | Ma.-% | min. 90 | 84-539 |
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