Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate (CAS 6484-52-2), also known as Norway saltpeter, is an inorganic salt produced at industrial scale for agriculture, mining, and chemical processing.

Where is Ammonium nitrate used?

• Agriculture: concentrated nitrogen source, straight fertilizer or blended into compound NPK products for cereal, vegetable, and commodity crops
• Mining and quarrying: primary oxidizer and key component in ANFO blasting agents for rock fragmentation and ore extraction
• Pulp and paper: controlled nitrogen source in select chemical processes
• It also serves as a raw material in the manufacture of nitrous oxide and other nitrogen-based industrial chemicals.
• Nutrient in the production of antibiotics and yeast.

Good to know: Low-density technical prill is intended for explosives use, while high-density prill or granule is intended for fertilizer applications. Specifications are governed by regional regulatory and safety frameworks.

Formulation notes

• May explode if contaminated with hydrocarbons, organic matter or other contaminants.

Typical specification

• Typical nitrogen content: 34.4%.
• Decomposes at temperatures above 210°C.
• Solubility in water: 200 g/100 ml at 20°C.

Regulatory status

• In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 applies to ammonium nitrate-containing fertilizers; all ammonium nitrate fertilizers with high nitrogen content require a passed detonation test before placing on the market.
• For transport, classified as UN hazard class 5.1 with packing group III.
• Under Seveso (D.Lgs. 105/2015), ammonium nitrate fertilizers capable of self-decomposition are covered at thresholds of 5000/10000 tonnes.
• Five ADR UN numbers apply: UN 0222, UN 1942, UN 2067, UN 2071 and UN 2426.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Hot aqueous solutions above 50% concentration may decompose explosively under confinement.
• A mixture with aluminum powder can be used as an explosive.
• Store in closed warehouses protected from precipitation.

Frequently asked questions about Ammonium nitrate

In which forms is ammonium nitrate handled in the U.S. commercial explosives industry?

It is manufactured, handled, transported, stored and used in two forms: liquid ammonium nitrate solution (ANS) and solid technical grade ammonium nitrate (TGAN).

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.