What is Ammonium Nitrate
The inorganic salt ammonium nitrate contains a nitrate anion coupled to an ammonium cation. As a result, we can call it an ammonium cation nitrate salt. NH4NO3 is the chemical formula for this substance. This substance is a white crystal solid with high water solubility. It’s mainly used as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in agriculture. Another important application is in the manufacture of explosives.
This chemical has a molar mass of 80.043 g/mol. It looks to be a solid white-grey color. Because this compound’s melting point is 169.6 °C, it decomposes at over 210 °C. This compound’s disintegration in water is endothermic.
When it comes to the occurrence, it is a natural mineral frequently found in conjunction with halide minerals. To manufacture ammonium nitrate in the industrial setting, we can use an acid-base reaction between ammonia and nitric acid. Ammonia in its anhydrous form and nitric acid in its concentrated form should be used there.
Ammonium nitrate storage, safety, and handling necessitate extreme caution and awareness. Salt is a potentially toxic substance. Thus, this is the explanation behind it. Furthermore, the production of ammonium nitrate should only be done by professionals in the industry.
What is Ammonium Sulphate
The inorganic compound ammonium sulfate comprises an ammonium cation and a sulfate anion. This compound’s chemical formula is (NH4)2SO4. As a result, each sulfate anion possesses two ammonium cations. It is an inorganic sulfate salt with numerous applications.
It appears as thin, hygroscopic granules or crystals due to its molar mass of 132.14 g/mol. Furthermore, the melting point ranges from 235 to 280 °C, and the compound decomposes above this temperature range.
This chemical can be made by combining ammonia and sulfuric acid. This experiment uses a reactor to connect ammonia gas and water vapor. This reactor can be filled with concentrated sulfuric acid. Ammonium sulfate will be formed due to the reaction between these components.
Ammonium sulfate should be used with extreme caution, as it can be hazardous to both persons and the environment. When inhaled, significant irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system can occur, like itching, redness, or pain when it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. When working with ammonium sulfate, taking precautions such as wearing a personal respirator and chemical safety eyewear is vital.
Difference Between Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Sulphate
- The chemical compound ammonium nitrate is made up of ammonia and nitric acid. On the other hand, ammonium sulfate is an inorganic sulfur and nitrogen salt.
- When mixed with alcohol, ammonium nitrate can be used to make explosives. However, because ammonium sulfate is a harmless substance, it can be used as a food additive.
- NH4NO3 is the formula for ammonium nitrate. On the other hand, ammonium sulfate has the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4.
- Ammonium nitrate has a molar mass of 80.043 g/mol, while ammonium sulfate has a molar mass of 132.14 g/mol.
- Ammonium nitrate is a chemical that can be used to produce explosives. On the other hand, ammonium sulfate is used as a nitrogen fertilizer for alkaline soils and as a food additive.
Comparison Between Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Sulphate
| Parameters of Comparison | Ammonium Nitrate | Ammonium Sulphate |
| Definition | An inorganic salt containing a nitrate anion linked to an ammonium cation | An inorganic compound containing an ammonium cation linked with a sulfate anion. |
| Chemical Formula | NH4NO3 | (NH4)2SO4 |
| Anions and Cations | Contains one anion per cation. | Contains one anion per two cations. |
| Molar Mass | 80.043 g/mol | 132.14 g/mol |
| Melting point and decomposition | The melting point is 169.6 °C, thus it decomposes above 210 °C | The melting point ranges from 235 to 280 °C, thus it decomposes above. |