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Ammonium phosphate formula is a type of a more complex formula that students can come across while studying chemistry. Before learning the formula let us quickly understand what Ammonium phosphate is. It is a type of salt obtained during the reaction between concentrated phosphoric acid and ammonia. The salt is a colourless, odourless, crystalline solid which is not soluble in water. Additionally, it is a highly unstable compound and generally has a less commercial value. However, it is used as a food additive or as an emulsifier, flame retardant and in fertilizers.
Ammonium Phosphate Chemical Formula
The formula of ammonium phosphate is (NH4)3PO4. The salt compound consists of positively charged ammonium cations (NH4+) and phosphate anion (PO43-) which carries a -3 formal charge. Combining these two ions in the ratio of three to one or cross-multiplying the ionic charges gives us the formula.
| Formula | (NH4)3PO4 |
| Molar Mass | 149 g/mol |
| Solubility in Water | 58.0 g/100 mL |
Ammonium Phosphate Structural Formula
The structural formula of ammonium phosphate can be written as;
What is Ammonium phosphate?
Ammonium phosphate is an unstable compound made of ammonium and phosphate salt with the chemical formula (NH4)3PO4.
Ammonium phosphate is manufactured by mixing together ammonium phosphate and urea in a molten condition. Considerable heat is generated which transform the ammonium phosphate to the molten state. It includes a group of nitrogen phosphorus materials: mono ammonium phosphates and diammonium phosphates, mixtures of the two or combinations with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate.
Other names – triammonium phosphate, diazanium hydrogen phosphate
Ammonium phosphate Structure – (NH4)3PO4
General Properties of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4
| (NH4)3PO4 | Ammonium phosphate |
| Density | 1.619 g/cubic cm |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 149.09 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 130°C |
| Melting Point | 155 °C (311 °F; 428 K) decomposes |
| Chemical Formula | H9N2O4P |
Physical Properties of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4
| Odour | Ammonia odour |
| Appearance | White, tetrahedral crystals |
| Complexity | 46.5 |
| Covalently-Bonded Unit | 3 |
| Hydrogen Bond Donor | 3 |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water |
| Solubility pH | 4 to 4.5 |
Chemical Properties of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4
- Ammonium phosphate readily undergoes a decomposition reaction, emitting very toxic fumes. It forms phosphoric acid and ammonia.
(NH4)3PO4 → 3NH3 + H3PO4
- Ammonium phosphate reacts with lead nitrate forming lead phosphate and ammonium nitrate.
4(NH4)3PO4 + 3Pb(NO3)4 → Pb3(PO4)4 + 12NH4NO3
Uses of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4
- Ammonium phosphate is a broad generic name for a variety of fertilizer materials containing both nitrogen and phosphate.
- Ammonium phosphates are becoming increasingly important as a source of available P2O5. P2O5 is somewhat higher in ammonium phosphates than in triple superphosphate.
- Mainly used as a solid fertilizer but can also be utilized in solution.
- Used as components of intumescent paints and mastics where they function as an acid catalyst.
- Used in paints in which pentaerythritol is the carbonific component and melamine is the specific compound.
Solved Example for You:
Question: A sample of ammonium phosphate, (NH4)3PO4 contains 3.18 mol of hydrogen atoms. The number of moles of oxygen atoms in the sample will be:
(A). 0.265
(B). 0.795
(C). 1.06
(D). 3.18
Answer: (C). 1.06
Solution: (NH4)3PO4
12 mol hydrogen atom contains = 4 atoms of oxygen
1 mol hydrogen atom contains 412
3.18 mol hydrogen atom contain =412×3.18=1.08mole.
If a sample of Ammonium phosphate (NH4)3PO4 has 3.18 moles of hydrogen atom then what is the number of moles available for oxygen atoms within the solution?
i) 0.265
ii) 1.06
iii) 0.795
iv) 3.18
Solution: As we know that the molar mass of (NH4)3PO4 is 149 grams.
Within the same, contains 12 g of HSo for 3.18 moles, i.e. 3.18 grams of H, the total number of moles of ammonium phosphate:
12149×3.18=39.5gm (NH4)3PO4
We know that 149 grams of (NH4)3PO4 contains 64g of oxygen
So, for 39.5 grams of (NH4)3PO4 it will contain
14964×39.5g of oxygen =16.96 gm oxygen
So, 16.96 grams of oxygen is present
Converting it into moles, we get, 1616.96 = 1.06 moles of OSo, the right answer is option ii).
If 6 moles of H are present in a sample of (NH4)3PO4, what is the number of moles of oxygen atom? Answer the question without converting the moles into grams.
1) 6
2) 4
3) 2
4) 1
Solution: We know that in ammonium phosphate:
The total number of H atoms: 12
Total number of O atoms: 4
We know that the ratio of atoms and moles remains the same
So, 12/4 = 6/X
Or, X = 2
So, the total number of moles of oxygen is 2.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is ammonium phosphate used for?
Ammonium phosphate is a high source of elemental nitrogen used as an ingredient in certain fertilizers. This is also used in thermoplastic formulations as a flame retardant.
What is ammonium phosphate fertilizer?
Ammonium phosphate adds nitrogen and phosphates to the lawns which lack the nutrients. Ammonium phosphate is a fast-release fertilizer that can be used for new grass planting, cleaning, monitoring, or lawn renovation.
What’s the difference between ammonia and ammonium?
Ammonia contains one nitrogen and three hydrogens opposed to one nitrogen and four hydrogens formed by ammonium. Ammonia is a low, unionized foundation. In the other side, it is ionized to ammonium. Some major distinctions between the two is that Ammonia gives off a heavy odour while Ammonium does not smell at all.
Is ammonium phosphate an acid?
Ammonium phosphate is an orthophosphoric acid ammonium salt. Formula (NH4)3PO4 is a highly unstable compound. It is elusive, and of little economic interest due to its uncertainty.
Why is ammonium phosphate soluble in water?
It is soluble in water, and ammonia loses and the acid phosphate (NH4)(H2PO4) is formed as the aqueous solution on the boil. Ammonium phosphate is a high source of elemental nitrogen used as an ingredient in certain fertilizers. This is also used in thermoplastic formulations as a flame retardant.
What is The Chemical Formula of Ammonium Phosphate? What Is The Purpose of Ammonium Phosphate in Food?
Ans: The chemical formula of ammonium phosphate is (NH4)3PO4. Ammonia compounds, for example, are frequently found in chocolate products, while ammonium phosphate is commonly employed as a leavening ingredient in baking. When ammonium phosphate is used in baking, however, the heat from the oven causes the gas to evaporate, resulting in no ammonia remaining in the final product.
Is Ammonium Phosphate A Naturally Occurring Substance?
Ans: Commercial or synthetic fertilisers, such as ammonium sulphate or ammonium phosphate, are sometimes referred to as such since they are manufactured rather than coming from naturally occurring mineral resources.
Is Ammonium Phosphate a Weak Base?
Ans: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and phosphorus oxides are among the hazardous and corrosive gases produced. The water solution is a weak base. Strong acids and strong oxidants cause it to react violently. When exposed to air, it gradually releases ammonia.
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