Ammonium Sulphate

Its primarily used as a fertiliser for alkaline soils as it helps lower the pH balance of the soil, while contributing essential nitrogen for plant growth. As a food additive it is used as an acidity regulator in flours and breads. In medicines is a widely used reagent in molecular biology and for the purification of antibodies.

Synonyms
Actamaster, Ammoniumsulfat (2:1), Diammonium sulfate, Mascagnite, Sulfuric acid diammonium salt, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Sulphate, AMS, AS, Diammonium Sulfate, Diammonium Sulphate, Sulfuric Acid, Diammonium Salt, Sulphate of Ammonia
Chemical Formula
(NH4)2SO4
CAS Number
7783-20-2

Characteristics

Molar Weight
132.134 g/mol
Melting Point
235-280°C
Density
1.77 g/cc
Forms
Crystals, White, Granules

Uses and applications

Key applications

  • Dyes
  • Hair care
  • Laboratory chemicals
  • Fabric, textile and leather products
  • Oxidising agent
  • Flame retardant
  • Glass
  • Textile handling
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Floor coverings

General information about Ammonium sulphate

Ammonium sulphate belongs to the group of salts and has the molecular formula (NH4)2SO4. The crystalline solid is colourless and odourless. Ammonium sulphate is usually produced from the reaction of ammonia in dissolved or gaseous form with 80 per cent sulphuric acid. It is also possible to produce ammonium sulphate by reacting ammonia, carbon dioxide and water with gypsum.
In its natural form, ammonium sulphate is known as the mineral mascagnin, which is rarely found.
Properties of ammonium sulphate
Ammonium sulphate dissolves well in water and is not very hygroscopic. As a solution, it reacts weakly acidic. With sodium nitrite or potassium nitrite, ammonium sulphate can react at room temperature with the formation of flames, and may even explode. Ammonium sulphate is virtually insoluble in acetone and ethanol.

Ammonium sulphate in the chemical industry

In the chemical industry, ammonium sulphate is used, among other things, as a precipitating agent for protein and as a flotation agent. It is also used in the production of flame retardants and fire extinguishing powder.

Ammonium sulphate in the food industry

Under the name E 517, ammonium sulphate is used as a carrier substance for other additives in food.
Ammonium sulphate is used in the fermentation process in wine production. As a component of nutrient salt mixtures for yeasts, it promotes cell proliferation during fermentation.

Other areas of application for ammonium sulphate

Due to its nitrogen content, ammonium sulphate is one of the most important salts for the production of fertilisers in agriculture. It is also used in biological sewage treatment plants as a component of nutrient mixtures for the microorganisms used there.
It is used for pickling in the leather industry and for the production of flame-retardant paper in the paper industry.
Ammonium sulphate precipitation is a process used in biochemistry to salt out proteins.
In molecular biology, a saturated ammonium sulphate solution is used for preservation. It protects the RNA of cells and tissue from degradation.