6484-52-2

  • English Name: Ammonium Nitrate
  • CAS Number: 6484-52-2
  • Molecular Formula: NH₄NO₃
  • Molecular Weight: 80.04 g/mol

Physical Properties

  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, odorless.
  • Density: 1.72 g/cm³ at 25°C.
  • Melting Point: 169.6°C.
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, acetone, liquid ammonia, and ammonia water; insoluble in ether.
  • Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic and prone to caking.

Chemical Properties

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions but decomposes at high temperatures to release nitrogen oxides.
  • Reactivity:
    • Strong oxidizing agent.
    • Reacts violently with reducing agents and organic materials.
    • Decomposes to release nitrogen oxides and water vapor.
  • Acid-Base Properties: Forms acidic solutions in water.

Uses

  • Agriculture: Widely used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content.
  • Explosives: A key component in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) explosives.
  • Industrial Applications: Used in the production of nitric acid and other chemicals.
  • Other Uses: Used in cold packs and as a reagent in chemical analysis.

Safety Information

  • Health Hazards: Causes irritation to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
  • Fire and Explosion Risk: Strong oxidizer; can cause fires and explosions when mixed with combustible materials.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from reducing agents and organic materials.
  • First Aid:
    • Skin Contact: Rinse with plenty of water.
    • Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes.
    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention.
    • Ingestion: Drink water and seek medical attention.

Environmental Information

  • Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life.
  • Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides.

Packing and shipping