Technical Leaflet Ammonium carbamate

M 1202 e
May 1993 (JWF)

Basic chemicals
Ammonium carbamate

Nature Ammonium carbamate

Tradename Ammonium carbamate

Chemical formula NH 4COONH 2

Molar mass 78.07 g/mol

CAS Reg. No. 1111-78-0

EINECS No. 214-185-2

Physical form and packaging 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 ammo-
nia odour. Although it is very hygroscopic, it dissolves only slowly in water.
At temperatures of 60 C upwards, it decomposes completely into ammo-
nia and carbon dioxide.

Solubility in water The solubility of ammonium carbamate in water at 20 C is barely 40 % wt.

It is considerably increased by adding ammonia.

Vapour (dissociation) pressure

Table 1

Temperature C 10 14.9 17.9 21.1 24.8 26.8 30.8 35.7 39.8 44.6
p (mbar) 37.6 53.8 68.55 88.7 115.6 131.5 173.9 243.0 297.55 430.91
Vapour pressure in mbar

500

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 tempe-
rature; 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 concen-
tration 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 Unit Value 1 Limit Analytical

method

NH 3 % 43.55 43.45 min. Volumetric

CO 2 % 56.35 56.12 min. Volumetric
Fe mg/kg 0.2 0.8 2 max. Colorimetric
H 2O % 0.1 0.15 0.2 max. Karl-Fischer
Sulfate ash mg/kg 10 max. Gravimetric
1 Typical or average values obtained in analytical control of the production
process

Screen analysis Particle size (mm) Fraction (%)

>1 10 20
0.5 1 30 60
0.1 0.5 10 20
< 0.1 3 5

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 indu-
strial substances; but, in the light of the data at our disposal, it should be
labelled as follows:

Hazard warning symbol Xn

R phrases 22 (harmful if swallowed)
S phrases

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 com-
plaints 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.

3
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 suit-
ability 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.

BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Marketing Grundchemikalien
Anorganische Grundchemikalien
Printed in Germany

D-67056 Ludwigshafen