Interesting facts
Interesting Facts about Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is an intriguing compound with a variety of applications and properties that showcase its significance in both agriculture and industry. Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:
- Dual Functionality: Ammonium nitrate acts as a nitrogen source for fertilizers, making it an essential component in modern agricultural practices. It provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth, enhancing crop yields.
- Explosive Potential: Beyond its agricultural uses, ammonium nitrate is widely known for its role in the production of explosives. It can be combined with fuel oil to create an explosive mixture used in mining and construction.
- Environmental Considerations: While ammonium nitrate aids in crop production, its overuse can lead to environmental issues such as water pollution through nitrate leaching, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
- Regulation and Storage: Due to its explosive nature in certain conditions, the storage and regulation of ammonium nitrate are stringent. Buildings that store large quantities must adhere to strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
- Historical Impact: The compound has been pivotal throughout history, particularly during World War I and II, where it was utilized in munitions, showcasing its importance in both military and civilian applications.
As a versatile compound with both beneficial and hazardous aspects, ammonium nitrate serves as a perfect example of the dual-edged nature of chemistry in society. Its wide range of applications necessitates careful handling and consideration, making it a subject of interest for chemists and environmental scientists alike.
Synonyms
AMMONIUM NITRATE
6484-52-2
Norway saltpeter
Ammonium nitricum
Ammonium saltpeter
Nitrate of ammonia
Nitric acid ammonium salt
azanium;nitrate
Nitrato amonico
Nitrate d'ammonium
Nitric acid, ammonium salt
Ammonium(I) nitrate (1:1)
Nitric acid ammonium salt (1:1)
T8YA51M7Y6
DTXSID2029668
CHEBI:63038
Nitram
NCGC00091921-01
Herco prills
German saltpeter
Merco Prills
Varioform I
DTXCID109668
Caswell No. 045
Nitrato amonico [Spanish]
Nitrate d'ammonium [French]
CAS-6484-52-2
HSDB 475
EINECS 229-347-8
UN0222
UN1942
UN2426
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076101
UNII-T8YA51M7Y6
Ammonium Nitrate ACS grade
EC 229-347-8
Ammonium nitrate(V) - IV
Ammonium nitrate(V) - III
Ammonium nitrate - phase IV
AMMONIUM NITRATE [MI]
AMMONIUM NITRATE [HSDB]
AMMONIUM NITRATE [VANDF]
AMMONIUM NITRICUM [HPUS]
CHEMBL1500032
DVARTQFDIMZBAA-UHFFFAOYSA-O
Tox21_111177
Tox21_202271
Tox21_303522
(N H4) (N O3)
AKOS025295591
Ammonium nitrate 54% in water by weight
NCGC00091921-02
NCGC00257475-01
NCGC00259820-01
NS00082532
Q182329
Solubility of Ammonium Nitrate
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is well-known for its high solubility in water, which makes it a popular compound in various applications. Its solubility can be attributed to several key factors:
To illustrate its solubility:
This high level of solubility poses both benefits and challenges. For instance, while it can be utilized effectively in fertilizers and cold packs, care must be taken as it can lead to environmental concerns if not managed properly. In conclusion, ammonium nitrate's ability to dissolve readily in water is a hallmark of its chemical nature and a significant factor in its utility across various domains.