What is Ammonium phosphate?

Ammonium phosphate is an unstable compound made of ammonium and phosphate salt with the chemical formula (NH4)3PO4.

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Ammonium phosphate is manufactured by mixing together ammonium phosphate and urea in a molten condition. Considerable heat is generated which transform the ammonium phosphate sulphate to the molten state. It includes a group of nitrogen phosphorus materials mono ammonium phosphates and diammonium phosphates, mixtures of the two or combination with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate.

Other names – triammonium phosphate, diazanium hydrogen phosphate

Table of Contents

Ammonium phosphate Structure – (NH4)3PO4

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General Properties of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4


(NH4)3PO4Ammonium phosphate
Density1.619 g/cubic cm
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass149.09 g/mol
Boiling Point130°C
Melting Point155 °C (311 °F; 428 K) decomposes
Chemical FormulaH9N2O4P

OdourAmmonia odour
AppearanceWhite, tetrahedral crystals
Complexity46.5
Covalently-Bonded Unit3
Hydrogen Bond Donor3
SolubilityReadily soluble in water
Solubility pH4 to 4.5

Chemical Properties of Ammonium phosphate – (NH4)3PO4

Ammonium phosphate readily undergoes 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 which pentaerythritol as the carbonific component and melamine as the specific compound.


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.


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.


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.


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.

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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.


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