ammonium sulfate
IUPAC name Ammonium sulfate
Other names Ammonium sulfate (2:1);
Diammonium sulfate;
Diammonium sulfate;
Magnesium garnet;
Straight A student;
Dolamin
ID
CAS# 7783-20-2
Smile [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O.[NH4+].[NH4+]
characteristic
Molecular formula (NH4)2SO4
Molar mass 132.14 g/mol
Appearance Fine white hygroscopic particles or crystals.
Density 1.77 g/cm³ @ 50 °C (122 °F)
melting point
235-280 °C, 508-553 K, 455-536 °F (decomposition)

Solubility in water 70.6 g/100 mL (0 °C) and
103.8 g/100 ml (100 °C)[1]
Critical relative humidity 79.2% at 30 °C
related compounds
Related compounds Ferric ammonium sulfate
Unless otherwise stated, data are given
Materials in Standard Condition
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox Disclaimer and References
Ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) is an inorganic compound commonly used as a fertilizer. It contains 21% ammonia nitrogen and 24% sulfate sulfur. Its molecular formula is closely related to the ammonium sulfate analog salt with iron atom in the compound.

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content

1 property
2 synthesis
3 uses
4 Further reading

characteristic
Ammonium sulfate is insoluble in alcohol or liquid ammonia. The compound is slightly hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air at relative humidity > 81% (approximately 20°C).

ammonium sulfite
Ammonium sulfate is produced commercially by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Ammonium sulfate is produced commercially from ammonia from gas works and purified by recrystallization. It forms large rhombic prisms, has a slightly salty taste and is readily soluble in water. Boiling water loses some ammonia and forms acid sulfate.

use
It is mainly used as an artificial fertilizer for alkaline soils. In soil, sulfate ions are released and form sulfuric acid, lowering the pH balance of the soil (as do other sulfate compounds such as aluminum sulfate) while providing essential nitrogen for plant growth.

It is also used as an agricultural spray adjuvant for water-soluble insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. It works by binding iron and calcium cations present in well water and plant cells. It is particularly effective as an adjuvant to 2,4-D (amine), glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides.


Also used in the preparation of other ammonium salts.

In biochemistry, ammonium sulfate precipitation is a common method for purifying proteins.

Ammonium sulfate is also listed as an ingredient in many U.S. vaccines, according to the Centers for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf

Ammonium sulfate is also a food additive. http://www.panerabread.com/menu/nutrition/profile.php?id=17

Ammonium sulfate is used to quickly apply a patina to copper surfaces.

further reading
Attribution: UNIDO and International Fertilizer Development Center (1998), Fertilizer Handbook, Kluwer Academic Publishers, ISBN 0-7923-5032-4.
Category: Ammonium Compounds | Sulfates | Pesticides


This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ammonium_sulfate". A list of authors can be found on Wikipedia.