Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate

NH₄NO₃ → N₂O + 2H₂O

Overview

Ammonium nitrate decomposes at about 200 C to form nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and water. At higher temperatures or with confinement, it can decompose explosively to nitrogen, oxygen, and water. The dual nature of ammonium nitrate as both a fertilizer and explosive makes it a significant safety concern.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Product	Water H₂O	2	(g)

Everyday Example

The 2020 Beirut explosion that devastated the city's port was caused by the detonation of improperly stored ammonium nitrate.

Industrial Importance

Ammonium nitrate is one of the world's most important fertilizers and is also used in mining explosives (ANFO). Strict storage regulations exist due to explosion risks.

Properties

Type: Decomposition
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -36.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking) Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination) Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitroglycerin Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Ozone

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate?

The balanced equation is: NH₄NO₃ → N₂O + 2H₂O.

What type of reaction is Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate?

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate is a decomposition reaction.

Is Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate exothermic or endothermic?

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -36.0 kJ/mol.