ammonium Sulfate
Introduction
Ammonium sulfate is another important inorganic salt with the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4. It is known by many other names in the industry such as Ammonium Sulphate, Ammonium Sulfate (2:1), Diammonium Sulfate, Sulphuric acid Diammonium salt, Dolamin, Actamaster, Mascagnite etc.
Properties
Ammonium sulfate is a high melting white solid. It decomposes above 480°C. It is soluble in water and possesses a density of 1.77 g/ml. The aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate is slightly acidic in nature.
CAS number : 7783 – 20 – 2
Chemical Formula : (NH4)2SO4
Molecular Weight : 132.14 g/mol
IUPAC name : Ammonium Tetraoxosulfate (VI)
Packaging : 25/50 kg bags, HDPE bags with polyliner inside
Storage : Tightly storage containers
Industrial Uses
Fertilizer industry
It is used as a fertilizer in alkaline soils. When the ammonium ion is released in the soil, the pH is lowered due to formation of small amount of acid. Thus, contributes nitrogen for plant growth.
Food industry
Designated by the E number E517. It is used as a food additive and considered as safe as per FDA regulations. It also works as acidity regulator in flours and breads.
Laboratory Uses
It is used in protein purification by precipitation method. It is also used in analysis of rubber lattices and volatile fatty acids. The rubber is precipitated with 35% of ammonium sulfate solution which leaves a clear liquid from which fatty acids can be regenerated.
Other Uses
> Used in the treatment of drinking water.
> Used in flame retardant compositions.
> Used in small scale to prepare other ammonium salts like ammonium persulfate.