Ammonium Nitrate: NH₄NO₃; mol. wt. 80.05. NH₃ 21.28%, HNO₃, 78.72%, N₂O 54.99%, N₂O₅ 67.47%, N 35%.

Odorless, transparent, hygroscopic, deliquesce crystals or white granules. d. 1.73. m. about 155°; decomposes at about 210°, mostly into H₂O and N₂O. One gram dissolves in 0.5 ml. water, 0.1 ml. boil. water, about 20 ml. alcohol, about 8 ml. methanol. pH about 4. Keep well closed.

Use: For making nitrous oxide (laughing gas); in freezing mixtures, safety explosives, matches; pyrotechny; in fertilizers.

Grades available: Reagent, technical.

Note: Disastrous explosions ascribed to ammonium nitrate occurred in 1947 at Texas City and at Brest.

Med. Use: See Ammonium Chloride. ===>(Med. Use: Diuretic, expectorant, to relieve alkalosis. Has been used to promote the excretion of lead deposits in cases of lead poisoning.

Toxicity: May cause methemoglobinemia. Excessive doses may cause nausea, vomiting and acidosis.

Contraindication: Marked renal impairment.

Dose: Diuretic 8 to 12 g./ day. Expectorant 0.3 to 0.5 g. Alkalosis 10 g./ day.)

Vet. Use: As Med. Use, for dogs.