Ammonium Phosphate Formula

Ammonium Phosphate Formula

Ammonium Phosphate is a salt often used in fertilisers. It is composed of ammonia and phosphoric acid. In this essay, we will go over its formula, structure, physical and chemical properties, applications, preparation methods, negative effects, and necessary safety precautions.

Ammonium Phosphate Chemical Formula

Ammonium Phosphate is an inorganic compound consisting of ammonia and phosphoric acid. It is a colourless and unstable salt. It is found in crystalline form and is soluble in water. The chemical formula for ammonium phosphate is (NH4)3PO4.

Ammonium ions have a positive charge (1+), while phosphate ions have a negative charge (3-). After balancing the charge, the formula is (NH4)3PO4. The following article discusses its structure, characteristics, applications, and methods of preparation.

Ammonium Phosphate Structural Formula

(NH4)3PO4 is the molecular formula for ammonium phosphate. The information regarding the same can be found on the Extramarks website or mobile application

Production

The production of the ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4) takes place with the help of the process of making the compound react to phosphoric acid (H3PO4) with the anhydrous ammonia (NH3):

NH3 + H3PO4 → NH4H2PO4

Ammoniated superphosphates are made with the help of the process of adding normal superphosphates or triple superphosphates to the mixture. However, it can be called the production of the liquid ammonium phosphate and ammoniated superphosphates in fertiliser mixing plants and for that, it is a whole separate process.

Occurrence

Ammonium Phosphate Formula is obtained naturally in the form of a crystalline powder which when mixed with concentrated solutions of ammonia and phosphoric acid or sometimes with the extra addition of a large amount of the ammonia to the acid phosphate  (NH4)2(HPO4). In a situation like this, the Ammonium Phosphate Formula is soluble when put inside the water, the aqueous solution loses ammonia on boiling and the formation of the acid phosphate takes place(NH4)(H2PO4).

Physical Properties

Ammonium Phosphate Formula has an odour of ammonia in it. It is white colour in appearance and it is available in the form of white colour tetrahedral crystals. The exact level of complexity of the ammonium phosphate is 46.5. Sometimes the Covalently-Bonded Unit is 3. The number of all the Hydrogen Bond donors in the ammonium sulphate is exactly 3. Ammonium Phosphate Formula is highly soluble once it is put inside the water (H2O). It has a pH of about 4 to 4.5.

Chemical Properties

  • Ammonium Phosphate goes through a decomposition reaction to give products such as phosphoric acid and ammonia. Toxic gases are also released in this reaction. The chemical reaction is

(NH4)3PO4   →   3NH3 + H3PO4

  • Ammonium Phosphate Reacts with zinc nitrate to form the products zinc phosphate and ammonium nitrate.

Zn(NO3)2  +  2(NH4)PO4    →   Zn3(PO4)2 + 6NH4NO3

  •  When ammonium phosphate reacts with lead nitrate, a double displacement reaction takes place and lead phosphate and ammonium nitrate are formed.

3Pb(NO3)2 + 2(NH4)3PO4   →   Pb(PO4)2 + 6NH4NO

Preparation

  • Phosphoric acid and ammonia solution are treated to get ammonium phosphate. The reaction is as follows,

3NH + H3PO4   →   (NH4)3PO4

  • Neutralization reaction takes place when ammonia and phosphoric acid are reacted to get mono ammonium phosphate as the product. It is further reacted to ammonia again to get diammonium phosphate. The chemical reactions are

NH3 + H3PO → NH4H2PO4

NH4H2PO4 + NH → (NH4)2HP4

Uses

The Ammonium Phosphate Formula is very popular and it is a broad generic name for a variety of fertiliser materials which contain both nitrogen and phosphate. Ammonium phosphates become increasingly important as a source of available P2O5. The P2O5 is somewhat higher in the ammonium phosphates than in the triple superphosphate.

The Ammonium Phosphate Formula is mainly useful as a solid fertiliser, but it can also be used in the solution. The Ammonium Phosphate Formula can be used as the components of intumescent paints and mastics, where they actively act as an acid catalyst. Ammonium Phosphate Formula are also used in paints, which are pentaerythritol as the carbonic components and melamine as the specific compounds.

Safety Hazards

Ammonium phosphate can easily cause eye irritation.  It can even cause skin irritation. It can even accuse nausea or vomiting,

Chemistry Related Formulas
Molecular Formula Gluconic Acid Formula
Sugar Formula Ideal Gas Law Formula
Ethane Formula Ionic Strength Formula
Formic Acid Formula Iron Iii Oxide Formula
Carbon Monoxide Formula Lithium Chloride Formula
Hydrochloric Acid Formula Magnesium Acetate Formula
Potassium Permanganate Formula Phthalic Acid Formula
Calcium Phosphate Formula Sodium Chlorate Formula
Magnesium Chloride Formula Sodium Dichromate Formula
Oxygen Formula Sodium Iodide Formula

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are both ammonia and ammonium the same?

No, they are different. Ammonia has 1 nitrogen and 3 hydrogen atoms. Whereas ammonium has 1 nitrogen and 4 hydrogen atoms. Their chemical formulas are NH3 and NH4+ respectively. Ammonia is a weak base and un ionized. But ammonium is ionized. Ammonia has a very strong smell whereas ammonium is odorless.

2. What happens when Ammonium Phosphate is heated?

Ammonia and phosphoric acid were formed when (NH4)3PO4 is heated. The chemical reaction is

(NH4)3PO4 → 3NH3 + H3PO4

3. What happens when Ammonium Phosphate is reacted with nickel(II) nitrate?

Nickel phosphate is formed as a precipitate along with ammonium nitrate when Ammonium Phosphate is reacted with nickel(II) nitrate. The chemical reaction is as follows:

(NH4)3PO4 + Ni(NO3)2 → NH4NO3(aq) + Ni3(PO4)2 (ppt)