Ammonium Nitrate, 6484-52-2

Ammonium Nitrate, 6484-52-2

AMMONIUM NITRATE (NH₄NO₃)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Ammonium Nitrate Structure:

        H                    O
         |                    ||
    H — N — H          O — N — O⁻
         |                    |
         H                    (NH₄⁺)  (NO₃⁻)

Structure Description:

• Ionic compound composed of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) ions.

• Contains two nitrogen atoms (one from ammonium, one from nitrate).

• Total nitrogen content: ~34-35%.

• Highly soluble in water.

• White, crystalline solid.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: AMMONIUM NITRATE vs OTHER NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method:

Reaction: HNO₃ + NH₃ → NH₄NO₃

Process Flow:
Ammonia (NH₃) + Nitric Acid (HNO₃) → Neutralization (Exothermic) → Ammonium Nitrate Solution → Evaporation/Concentration → Crystallization → Drying → Prilling/Granulation → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Neutralization: Ammonia gas is reacted with concentrated nitric acid in a neutralization reactor.

2. Heat Recovery: The exothermic reaction (~-118 kJ/mol) generates heat, which is recovered.

3. Evaporation/Concentration: The ammonium nitrate solution is concentrated by evaporation.

4. Crystallization: Concentrated solution is crystallized to form solid ammonium nitrate.

5. Drying: Crystals are dried to achieve specified moisture content.

6. Prilling/Granulation: Dried product is formed into prills or granules.

7. Coating (Optional): Anti-caking coatings are applied to prevent clumping.

8. Final Product: Agricultural grade (for fertilizer) or technical grade (for explosives) are produced.

Natural Occurrence: Found as the mineral gwihabaite in arid regions (e.g., Atacama Desert, Chile). However, nearly 100% of current production is synthetic.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Agricultural Fertilizer Application (Top-Dressing):

ANFO Explosive Formulation:

Instant Cold Pack Formulation:

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS03 (Oxidizer Flame Over Circle), GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• STRONG OXIDIZER (H272): Will intensify fire and support combustion. KEEP AWAY FROM ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

• CAUSES SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE (H318): Eye contact is extremely dangerous. EYE PROTECTION IS MANDATORY.

• HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED (H302): Avoid ingestion.

• MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY IRRITATION (H335): Avoid inhalation of dust.

• EXPLOSIVE HAZARD: May explode under confinement, contamination, or intense heat. Do not heat in closed containers.

• HYGROSCOPIC: Absorbs moisture and may cake or liquefy. Store in tightly closed containers.

• DECOMPOSITION: Decomposes above 210°C releasing toxic gases (NOx, NH₃).

• CONTAMINATION: Contact with organic materials, fuels, acids, chlorides, sulfur, and metals can increase explosion risk. DO NOT MIX WITH COMBUSTIBLES.

• HIGH SAFETY RISK: Subject to security/terrorism controls in many countries. LICENSING AND SECURITY PROTOCOLS REQUIRED.

• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: Excessive use can cause nitrate contamination of groundwater and eutrophication.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Agriculture (Fertilizer): Apply as top-dressing or side-dressing; Recommended dosage: 100-200 kg/ha depending on crop; Apply during active growth; Avoid applying on wet foliage; Incorporate into soil when possible; Use clean application equipment.

• Explosives Industry: Use prilled or porous grade for ANFO; Mix with fuel oil at 94:6 ratio; Use within 24 hours of mixing; Protect from moisture; Handle with care; Use blasting caps/initiators; Always follow local blasting regulations.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles; Avoid contact with eyes and skin; Avoid mixing with any combustible materials.

• Personal Protective Equipment: MANDATORY: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing, dust mask (N95/FFP2 or higher), fire-resistant clothing (for fire response).

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; Use designated changing areas.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and heat; Store separate from combustible materials, oils, acids, and organic matter; Maintain strict security measures; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 12-36 months under proper conditions.

• Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways; Do not mix with combustible materials; Report large spills to relevant authorities.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Hazardous waste; Contaminated material (with organics/fuels) is especially dangerous; Use authorized waste disposal facilities; Do not incinerate with combustible materials.

• Security: Licensing and permits are required in many countries; Maintain strict inventory records; Report theft immediately; Implement security protocols to prevent unauthorized access; Follow national security regulations for ammonium nitrate.

DETECTION METHODS:

AMMONIUM NITRATE vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Ammonium nitrate is a strong oxidizer and explosive hazard; strict safety and security protocols must be followed at all times; licensing and permits may be required in many countries.