Title: Ammonium Nitrate
CAS Registry Number: 6484-52-2
Molecular Formula: H4N2O3
Molecular Weight: 80.04
Percent Composition: H 5.04%, N 35.00%, O 59.97%
Line Formula: NH4NO3
Literature References: Manuf: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 97-102. Comprehensive description of manuf processes and physical data: B. T. Federoff et al., Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items vol. I (Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, N.J., 1960) pp A311-A379. Review: Thatcher, "Ammonium Nitrate" in Mellor's vol. VIII, supplement I, Nitrogen (part 1) 506-562 (1964).
Properties: Odorless, transparent, hygroscopic, deliquesc crystals or white granules. Five solid phases exist at normal pressure. Orthorhombic at room temp. d 1.72. Dec at about 210°, mostly into H2O and N2O. One gram dissolves in 0.5 ml water, 0.1 ml boil. water, about 20 ml alc, about 8 ml methanol, pH of 0.1M soln in water: 5.43. Keep well closed.
Density: d 1.72
NOTE: Disastrous explosions ascribed to ammonium nitrate occurred in 1947 at Texas City and at Brest.
Use: Making nitrous oxide (laughing gas); in freezing mixtures, safety explosives, matches; pyrotechnics; in fertilizers.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as an expectorant, urinary acidifier. |