Pure ammonium nitrate is a colorless, odorless, transparent crystal or a small white particle crystal, which reacts with alkali to generate ammonia gas and absorbs heat. Deliquescence, easy to agglomerate. It is easily soluble in water and absorbs heat. It is also soluble in acetone and ammonia, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether.
Thermal decomposition
The decomposition temperature of ammonium nitrate is different, and the decomposition products are also different.
At 110°C: NH4NO3→NH3+HNO3
At 185～200°C: NH4NO3→N2O+2H2O
When the temperature is above 230°C, there is weak light at the same time: 2NH4NO3→2N2+O2+4H2O
Above 400°C, it decomposes violently and explodes: 4NH4NO3→3N2+2NO2+8H2O
Pure ammonium nitrate is stable at room temperature and is not sensitive to impact, collision or friction. However, it will explode under high temperature, high pressure, and the presence of oxidizable substances (reducing agents) and electric sparks. Ammonium nitrate cannot detonate when the water content is more than 3%, but it will still decompose at a certain temperature. Safety regulations must be strictly observed during transportation and use.