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Ammonium sulfate

IUPAC: diazanium;sulfate

(NH4)2SO4 Salts CAS 7783-20-2
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Formula / Notation(NH4)2SO4
CAS Number7783-20-2
Molecular Weight132.14
Melting Point280 °C (decomposes)
Density1.78 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityFreely soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol
AppearanceAmmonium sulfate is a white odorless solid. Sinks and dissolves in water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asdiazanium;sulfate; 7783-20-2; Ammonium sulphate; Diammonium sulfate; Mascagnite; Sulfuric acid diammonium salt; Ammonium sulfate (2:1); Actamaster; Dolamin; Diammonium sulphate
CategorySalts

What is Ammonium sulfate?

Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic sulfate salt obtained by reaction of sulfuric acid with two equivalents of ammonia. A high-melting (decomposes above 280C) white solid which is very soluble in water (70.6 g/100 g water at 0C; 103.8 g/100 g water at 100C), it is widely used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound and a fertilizer. It is an inorganic sulfate salt and an ammonium salt.

Formula & Notation

(NH4)2SO4

IUPAC Name: diazanium;sulfate

Other Names / Synonyms: diazanium;sulfate; 7783-20-2; Ammonium sulphate; Diammonium sulfate; Mascagnite; Sulfuric acid diammonium salt; Ammonium sulfate (2:1); Actamaster; Dolamin; Diammonium sulphate

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ammonium sulfate is a white odorless solid. Sinks and dissolves in water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: H8N2O4S. Molecular weight: 132.14 g/mol. Melting point: 280 °C (decomposes). Density: 1.78 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol. Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure of saturated solution: 0.901 kPa at 10 °C; 1.319 kPa at 15 °C; 1.871 kPa at 20 °C; 2.573 kPa at 25 °C; 3.439 kPa at 30 °C; 4.474 kPa at 35 °C.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point280 °C (decomposes)
Density1.78 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight132.14
SolubilityFreely soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol
AppearanceAmmonium sulfate is a white odorless solid. Sinks and dissolves in water. (USCG, 1999)

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 sulfate
Formula (NH4)2SO4
CAS Number 7783-20-2
Molecular Weight 132.14
Category Salts
Synonyms diazanium;sulfate; 7783-20-2; Ammonium sulphate; Diammonium sulfate; Mascagnite; Sulfuric acid diammonium salt; Ammonium sulfate (2:1); Actamaster; Dolamin; Diammonium sulphate

Frequently Asked Questions

Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic sulfate salt obtained by reaction of sulfuric acid with two equivalents of ammonia. A high-melting (decomposes above 280C) white solid which is very soluble in water (70.6 g/100 g water at 0C; 103.8 g/100 g water at 100C), it is widely used as a fertilizer for alkaline soils. It has a role as a NMR chemical shift reference compound and a fertilizer. It is an inorganic sulfate salt and an ammonium 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.