Technical Leaflet

M 1202 e May 1993 (JWF)

Ammonium carbamate

Basic chemicals

Ammonium carbamate

Nature Tradename Chemical formula Molar mass CAS Reg. No. EINECS No. Physical form and packaging

Ammonium carbamate Ammonium carbamate NH 4COONH 2 78.07 g/mol 1111-78-0 214-185-2

Crystals without caking agent. The product is supplied in 25-kg or 50-kg valved sacks. Corrugated sheet-metal or plastics drums are also feasible, but should not be resorted to unless cool conditions can be ensured during transportation and storage.

Properties
Ammonium carbamate is a white, crystalline product with a strong ammonia odour. Although it is very hygroscopic, it dissolves only slowly in water. At temperatures of 60 C upwards, it decomposes completely into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Solubility in water Vapour (dissociation) pressure Table 1 Temperature C 10 p (mbar) 37.6 14.9 53.8 17.9 68.55
Vapour pressure in mbar

The solubility of ammonium carbamate in water at 20 C is barely 40 % wt. It is considerably increased by adding ammonia.

21.1 88.7
500

24.8 115.6

26.8 131.5

30.8 173.9

35.7 243.0

39.8 297.55

44.6 430.91

400

300

200

100

0 0 10 20 30 40 50 Temperature C

Fig. 1

Vapour (dissociation) pressure of ammonium carbamate 2

Chemical reactions

Ammonium carbamate is the most unstable compound derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide. It decomposes significantly at room temperature; and rapidly and completely, at temperatures above 60 C. Its aqueous solutions behave similarly. In these solutions, the carbamate and carbonate attain an equilibrium that depends considerably on the concentration of the carbamate and the free ammonia in solution. Ammonium carbamate attacks metals such as iron, nickel, and copper. Materials that are resistant to it are stainless steel, e. g. 18Cr 9Ni and 18Cr 10Ni 2.5Mo (German steel Nos. 1.4541 and 1.4571), Lupolen linings, and enamelled surfaces.

Product specification NH 3 CO 2 Fe H 2O Sulfate ash

1

Unit % % mg/kg % mg/kg

Value 1 43.55 56.35 0.2 0.8 0.1 0.15

Limit 43.45 min. 56.12 min. 2 max. 0.2 max. 10 max.

Analytical method Volumetric Volumetric Colorimetric Karl-Fischer Gravimetric

Typical or average values obtained in analytical control of the production process Fraction (%) 10 20 30 60 10 20 3 5

Screen analysis

Particle size (mm) >1 0.5 1 0.1 0.5 < 0.1

Application
Technical benefits can often be achieved in the many cases in which ammonium carbamate is used instead of ammonia. Its aqueous solutions have the same properties as those of ammonia solution and can be readily prepared. Starting material in the production of ammonium carbonate. Together with metal phosphides as decomposition controller. Ammonium carbamate is used for the detoxification of off-gases.

Safety
Safety advice Ammonium carbamate is not entered in the German list of hazardous industrial substances; but, in the light of the data at our disposal, it should be labelled as follows: Hazard warning symbol R phrases S phrases Xn 22 (harmful if swallowed)

Safety goggles and dust masks must be worn for handling ammonium carbamate. In the event of eye contact, prise the eyelids wide apart and irrigate the eyes for a period of 15 minutes. If small amounts have been swallowed, drink copious water. A doctor should be consulted if the complaints persist or larger amounts have been swallowed. Transportation and storage It is essential to keep ammonium carbamate cool during transportation and storage. It should not be transported or stored together with nitrites and nitrates. The temperature during transportation and storage should not exceed 30 C, as otherwise strong ammonia fumes can be expected. Safety Data Sheet Further information on ammonium carbamate is given in the DIN 52900 Safety Data Sheet and in the EEC Safety Data Sheet that will be published in mid-1993.

Note
The information submitted in this publication is based on our current knowledge and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect processing and application, these data do not relieve processors of the responsibility of carrying out their own tests and experiments; neither do they imply any legally binding assurance of certain properties or of suitability for a specific purpose. It is the responsibility of those to whom we supply our products to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and legislation are observed.

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