Ammonium Sulfate Product Details
Chemical Information:
- Product Name: Ammonium Sulfate
- Chemical Formula: (NH4)2SO4
- CAS Number: 7783-20-2
- EC Number: 231-984-1
- Molecular Weight: 132.14 g/mol
Physical Properties:
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Density: 1.769 g/cm³ (approximately)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming an acidic solution; insoluble in ethanol and acetone
- Decomposition Temperature: 235°C (decomposes into ammonia and sulfuric acid)
Applications:
- Agriculture: Commonly used as a nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content.
- Laboratory Use: Utilized in protein purification and fractionation processes by altering protein solubility at high salt concentrations; also used for protein precipitation.
- Industrial Applications: Serves as a fire retardant and has various other industrial uses, such as in the production of hydrogen peroxide, ammonium persulfate, and in electroplating processes.
- Cosmetics: May be used as a viscosity-controlling agent in some cosmetic formulations.
- Other Uses: In medicine, it is used as a salting-out agent; in food industry, it acts as a catalyst for food colorants and in the production of yeast; also used as an auxiliary dye for acidic dyes and a degreasing agent in leather processing.
Safety Information:
- Ammonium sulfate is generally considered non-toxic, but it can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if handled improperly or in high concentrations.
- It is advisable to wear appropriate protective equipment when handling ammonium sulfate, such as gloves, eye protection, and a respirator if necessary.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, sparks, and open flames to prevent decomposition.
Packaging and Storage:
- Ammonium sulfate is typically packaged in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.
- Store at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Conclusion:
Ammonium sulfate is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications across different industries. Its high nitrogen content makes it an effective fertilizer, while its ability to alter protein solubility makes it a valuable tool in laboratory settings. With proper handling and storage, ammonium sulfate can be a safe and useful chemical in various applications.