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Ammonium nitrate

IUPAC: azanium nitrate

NH4NO3 Salts CAS 6484-52-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationNH4NO3
CAS Number6484-52-2
Molecular Weight80.044
Melting Point337.8 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointDecomposes at 200-260 °C
Density1.72 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility213 g/100 g water at 25 °C
AppearanceAmmonium nitrate is commercially available both as a colorless crystalline solid and processed into prills for specific applications. Soluble in water. Does not readily burn but will do so if conta...
Also Known Asazanium nitrate; 6484-52-2; Norway saltpeter; Ammonium nitricum; Nitram; Ammonium saltpeter; Nitrate of ammonia; Nitrato amonico; Herco prills; German saltpeter
CategorySalts

What is Ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is the ammonium salt of nitric acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, an oxidising agent and an explosive. It is an inorganic molecular entity, an ammonium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.

Formula & Notation

NH4NO3

IUPAC Name: azanium nitrate

Other Names / Synonyms: azanium nitrate; 6484-52-2; Norway saltpeter; Ammonium nitricum; Nitram; Ammonium saltpeter; Nitrate of ammonia; Nitrato amonico; Herco prills; German saltpeter

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ammonium nitrate is commercially available both as a colorless crystalline solid and processed into prills for specific applications. Soluble in water. Does not readily burn but will do so if conta.... Molecular formula: H4N2O3. Molecular weight: 80.044 g/mol. Boiling point: Decomposes at 200-260 °C. Melting point: 337.8 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 1.72 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 213 g/100 g water at 25 °C. Vapor pressure: 2.3 kPa at 20 °C in water solution; 1.5 kPa at 20 °C in saturated NH4NOs solution.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point337.8 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointDecomposes at 200-260 °C
Density1.72 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight80.044
Solubility213 g/100 g water at 25 °C
AppearanceAmmonium nitrate is commercially available both as a colorless crystalline solid and processed into prills for specific applications. Soluble in water. Does not readily burn but will do so if conta...

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ammonium nitrate
Formula NH4NO3
CAS Number 6484-52-2
Molecular Weight 80.044
Category Salts
Synonyms azanium nitrate; 6484-52-2; Norway saltpeter; Ammonium nitricum; Nitram; Ammonium saltpeter; Nitrate of ammonia; Nitrato amonico; Herco prills; German saltpeter

Frequently Asked Questions

Ammonium nitrate is the ammonium salt of nitric acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, an oxidising agent and an explosive. It is an inorganic molecular entity, an ammonium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.