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Ammonium sulfate is a versatile chemical compound used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. As one of the most important nitrogen sources in agriculture, ammonium sulfate plays a crucial role in fertilizer production. Additionally, it is used in the textile, paper, and rubber industries as well as in cleaning agents and laboratory analyses.

Properties of ammonium sulfate

Ammonium sulfate, with the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4, is a crystalline, white salt that is soluble in water. It has high solubility and good stability at room temperature. Furthermore, ammonium sulfate is non-flammable and relatively non-toxic, making it a safe and environmentally friendly product.

The main properties of ammonium sulfate are:

• Chemical formula: (NH4)2SO4
• Molecular weight: 132.14 g/mol
• Melting point: 235-280°C
• Solubility in water: 70 g/100 ml at 20°C
• pH value (in solution): approx. 5.5
• Crystal structure: orthorhombic

These properties make ammonium sulfate a versatile and useful substance in a variety of applications.

Applications of ammonium sulfate

Fertilizer production

The main application area of ammonium sulfate is fertilizer production. As a nitrogen-containing compound, it serves as an important source of nitrogen in mineral fertilizers. Ammonium sulfate is often used in mixtures with other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium to produce balanced fertilizers for agricultural use.

Textile and paper industry

In the textile and paper industry, ammonium sulfate is used as a dye fixative, flocculant, and filler. It helps to increase the color fastness of textiles and improve paper properties such as strength and opacity.

Rubber industry

In the rubber industry, ammonium sulfate is used as a vulcanization accelerator. It increases the cross-linking and stability of rubber products such as tires, seals, and rubber articles.

Cleaning agents

Ammonium sulfate is also used in cleaning agents, especially in detergents. It serves as a water softener by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water, thereby improving the effectiveness of surfactants.

Laboratory applications

In the laboratory field, ammonium sulfate is used for various analyses and separation processes. For example, it is used in protein crystallography to promote the solubility and crystallization of proteins. Ammonium sulfate is also used as an eluent in ion chromatography.

Other applications

Furthermore, ammonium sulfate is used in fire extinguishing chemistry, wood treatment, the manufacture of fireworks, and in the cosmetics industry.

Safe use and storage of ammonium sulfate

Although ammonium sulfate is generally considered relatively harmless, some safety aspects must be observed during handling and storage:

• Personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles should be worn when working with ammonium sulfate to avoid skin contact and dust formation.
• Storage should be in a dry, cool place to avoid moisture and caking.
• When handling larger quantities, good ventilation must be ensured to prevent the accumulation of ammonia in the air.
• Ammonium sulfate is not flammable, but it can decompose when heated above 235°C and release toxic fumes.

By observing these safety measures, ammonium sulfate can be used safely and efficiently in industrial and laboratory processes.

Conclusion

Ammonium sulfate is a versatile chemical compound with numerous applications in industry and laboratory environments. As an important nitrogen source in fertilizers, as a dye fixative, vulcanization accelerator, and water softener, ammonium sulfate is indispensable in many production processes. Due to its good solubility properties and stability at room temperature, it also offers advantages in handling and storage. With the right safety equipment and precautions, ammonium sulfate can be used safely and efficiently in a variety of applications.