|
Element Index (A)
Actinium
Aluminium
Americium
Ammonium
Antimony
Arsenic
Chemical's truth
|
Combinatorial chemistry is the study of techniques capable of rapidly synthesizing and generating millions of related compounds. |
|
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
|
|
Ammonium nitrate
(ammonium saltpeter)
CAS no: 6484-52-2 Formula: NH4NO3 Molecular weight: 80.043
Physical Data
Appearance: White orthorhombic crystals, hygroscopic
|
Melting point: 210°C (decompose)
Boiling point: -
|
Density: 1.72 g/cm3
Solubility: 213 g/100 g H2O
|
|
|
Thermodynamic Data
Enthalpy of formation: -365.6 kJ/mol
Gibbs energy of formation: -183.9 kJ/mol
|
Entropy: 151.1 J/mol K
Heat capacity: 139.3 J/mol K
|
|
|
Production and preparation
Industrially, it is produced by mixing ammonia gas and nitric acid. Since ammonium nitrate can be potentially explosive, the temperature is strictly controlled (leass than 140°C) during
the acid neutralization process. The product is evaporated to 99% ammonium nitrate and formed into dense ammonium nitrate granules or prills (or about 3 mm in diameter).The granules are coated with a conditioning agent (1%) to improve handling and storage properties.
In the laobratory, it is prepared by adding aqueous ammonia to nitric acid.
|
|
|
Behavior and Chemical Properties
It is very soluble in water, and soluble in ethanol. The crystals adopt rhombic form which changes to monoclinic above 32°C.
Ammonium nitrate in thermally unstable and can potentially explode in certain conditions. Decompostion can be catalysed by a variety of substances,
both organic and inorganic. For example, chlorides, chromates, powdered metals, saw dust, oil, etc. However, thermolysis under controlled conditions can
yield N2 or N2O depends on the temperature.
|
|
|
History and Uses
It is mainly used as fertilizer to provide the source of nitrogen for plants. When mixing with other components, it is used as explosive in quarrying operations.
|
|
|
Hazard, Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place and away from incompatible substances. It is a strong oxidizer and contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Incompatible with strong reducing agents, combustible material, strong acids, organics, chemically active metals.
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Oral rat LD50 is 2217 mg/kg.
|
|
|
(Last update: March 2005) |
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
|
|
