Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate)
H2SO4 + 2NH3 → (NH4)2SO4
Overview
Sulfuric acid reacts with ammonia to form ammonium sulfate, a major nitrogen-sulfur fertilizer containing 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur. The reaction is strongly exothermic and proceeds readily. Ammonium sulfate was historically a major byproduct of coke oven operations.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Ammonia NH₃ | 2 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Ammonium sulfate is a popular lawn fertilizer that also slightly lowers soil pH, beneficial for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
Industrial Importance
Ammonium sulfate production exceeds 20 million tonnes annually. It is used as a fertilizer, in flame-retardant treatments, and in protein purification by salting out.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -274.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate)?
The balanced equation is: H₂SO₄ + 2NH₃ → (NH₄)₂SO₄.
What type of reaction is Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate)?
Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate) is a acid-base reaction.
Is Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate) exothermic or endothermic?
Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia (Ammonium Sulfate) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -274.0 kJ/mol.