Ammonium Nitrate

NH₄NO₃

IUPAC: Ammonium nitrate

CAS: 6484-52-2

Overview

Ammonium nitrate is a salt used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer and as an oxidizer in explosives. It can detonate if exposed to heat or shock.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Nitrogen N 2 14.0070
Oxygen O 3 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
5.0%
N
Nitrogen ×2
35.0%
O
Oxygen ×3
60.0%

Uses

  • • Fertilizer
  • • Mining explosives (ANFO)
  • • Instant cold packs

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The 2020 Beirut explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of improperly stored ammonium nitrate

Safety

  • ⚠ Oxidizer
  • ⚠ Explosive when heated/confined
  • ⚠ Major industrial hazard

Structure

SMILES

[NH4+].[N+](=O)([O-])[O-]

Properties

Type
industrial
State
solid
Molar Mass
80.04 g/mol
Density
1.7300 g/cm³
Melting Point
169.6 °C
Boiling Point
210.0 °C
Solubility
1900 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
80.0222
TPSA
63.9 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
18.0

Related Compounds

Calcium Chloride

CaCl₂

Hydrogen Peroxide

H₂O₂

Iron(II) Sulfate

FeSO₄

Potassium Dichromate

K₂Cr₂O₇

Potassium Permanganate

KMnO₄

Sodium Fluoride

NaF

Sodium Hypochlorite

NaClO

Sodium Silicate

Na₂SiO₃

Zinc Chloride

ZnCl₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a industrial compound with the IUPAC name Ammonium nitrate.
What is the molecular weight of Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium Nitrate has a molar mass of 80.04 g/mol.
What state is Ammonium Nitrate at room temperature?
Ammonium Nitrate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Ammonium Nitrate organic or inorganic?
Ammonium Nitrate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).