Nitrogen Containing Fertilisers
Chemistry: Cambridge International A Level, topic 2.5.3
Nitrogen-Containing Compounds in Fertilisers
The nitrogen-containing compounds that are found in fertilisers are made using ammonia and nitric acid, which is manufactured by oxidising ammonia.
Ammonium nitrate reaction
- Reacting nitric acid and ammonia produces ammonium nitrate:
- Ammonia + nitric acid → ammonium nitrate
- NH3(aq) + HNO3(aq) → NH4NO3(aq)
Exceptionally rich in nitrogen
- Because it contains two sources of nitrogen, ammonium nitrate is ideal for use in fertilisers.
Test yourself on Nitrogen Containing Fertilisers
Why is ammonium nitrate so ideal for use in fertilisers?
What are the two sources of nitrogen used to make ammonium nitrate?