Ammonium Phosphate Formula Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023

Ammonium Phosphate is a salt that is prominently used in fertilizers. It is a composition of ammonia and phosphoric acid. In this article, we will discuss its formula, structure, physical properties, chemical properties, uses, preparation methods, harmful effects, and safety precautions that are to be taken.

Ammonium Phosphate formula

Ammonium Phosphate is an inorganic compound that is a composition of ammonia and phosphoric acid. It is colorless and an unstable salt. It is found in crystalline form and is soluble in water. The chemical formula of Ammonium Phosphate is (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4.

Ammonium ion has a positive charge (1+) and phosphate ion with a charge (3-). After balancing the charge the formula obtained is (NH4)3PO4. Its structure, properties use, and preparation methods are discussed in the following article.

Structure of Ammonium Phosphate

The chemical formula of Ammonium Phosphate is (NH4)3PO4. Its molar mass is 149.09g/mol.

Structure of Ammonium Phosphate

Physical Properties of Ammonium Phosphate

Chemical properties of Ammonium Phosphate

****(NH** 4 ) 3 PO 4 → 3NH 3 + H 3 PO 4

**Zn(NO 3 ) 2 + 2(NH 4 )PO 4 → Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 + 6NH 4 NO 3

**3Pb(NO 3 ) 2 **+ 2(NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 → Pb(PO 4 ) 2 + 6NH 4 NO 3

Preparation of Ammonium Phosphate

**3NH 3 + H 3 PO 4 → (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4

**NH 3 + H 3 PO 4 → NH 4 H 2 PO4

**NH 4 H 2 PO 4 + NH 3 → (NH 4 ) 2 HP 4

Harmful effects and safety measures for Ammonium Phosphate

It is poisonous and toxic if it is absorbed. It raises ammonia levels in the blood and may damage internal organs. It may also cause diarrhea and eye and skin irritation may also occur.

Always wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the skin. Always wear special protective clothes along with protection glasses and masks. If handling the chemical, always wash your hands thoroughly. Washing all the safety equipment and clothes is a must before reusing them. Avoid inhaling the fumes or gas of the chemical.

Uses of Ammonium Phosphate

Sample Questions

**Question 1: What are the compounds of Ammonium Phosphate?

**Answer:

There are three different chemical compounds of Ammonium Phosphate. They all are formed by the reaction of ammonia and phosphoric acid. They are:

**Question 2: Are both ammonia and ammonium the same?

**Answer:

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.

**Question 3: What happens when Ammonium Phosphate is heated?

**Answer:

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

****(NH** 4 ) 3 PO 4 **→ 3NH 3 + H 3 PO 4

**Question 4: What happens when Ammonium Phosphate is reacted with nickel(II) nitrate?

**Answer:

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:

****(NH** 4 )3PO 4 + Ni(NO 3 ) 2 **→ NH 4 NO 3 (aq) + Ni 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (ppt)

**Question 5: What are the uses of Phosphoric Acid?

**Answer:

The uses of Phosphoric Acid are-