Monoammonium phosphate, known by its formula NH4H2PO4, turns up across global industries as a solid acid fertilizer, fire-fighting compound, and chemical additive. In warehouses and workshops, people see MAP as off-white crystals, solid lumps, fine powder, or coarse flakes. It dissolves in water, breaks down to release ammonium and phosphate — both cornerstone nutrients for plant growth and crucial reactants for chemical processes.
MAP appears in several forms: compact granules, uniform pearls, chunky flakes, flowable powders, and crystalline solids. Each version brings a different density and ease of handling. The molecular weight clocks in near 115.03 g/mol. The compound owns a monoclinic crystal structure, not unusually fancy but stable and easy to transport. Dry powder feels gritty, lacking strong odor, and doesn’t cling to hands. Density lands around 1.8 g/cm3. MAP melts at roughly 190°C and gives off ammonia fumes if pushed past that point.
Businesses trading and importing MAP often check paperwork with HS Code: 31054000. Typical batches contain above 98% pure content, holding 11-12% nitrogen and 61-62% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) for industrial grade. Key raw materials are ammonia and phosphoric acid. The blending and reaction method may look straightforward on paper, but consistency demands modern controls and reliable sourcing of every feedstock. No product comes out pure without tight oversight and strict filtration.
Factories ship MAP in several shapes. Powder sorts pack easily—useful for fire suppression dust or rapid-dissolving fertilizer. Flake and pearl types pour smoothly out of bags and bins. Crystal MAP ends up in controlled chemical reactions or as slow-release material. Thanks to high solubility—180 g/Liter at 20°C—it slips neatly into water-based systems, in both liquid and solution batches. BMP rarely appears as a liquid itself; rather, factories sell it dissolved or dry, waiting for bulk mixing.
MAP doesn’t carry high toxicity for humans or animals. Contact causes simple irritation if handled carelessly—dust can tingle the nose, splash can sting eyes. Breathing a lot of powder leads to coughing, like any fine dust. The chemical itself breaks down in water and soil; phosphate and ammonium aren’t persistent. Firefighters reach for it in dry chemical extinguishers because it smothers fires quickly, stopping chain reactions at the flame surface. Overuse in fertilizer can promote waterway algae bloom, crowding out fish—phosphate leaching remains the biggest concern. In solid sealed drums, MAP does not count as a flammable or major hazardous material. It’s non-volatile, doesn’t form dangerous fumes at room temperature, and travels internationally under safe material shipping rules.
Every factory worker or farmer who picks up a sack of this material needs to understand why it matters to keep hands clean and storerooms dry. Bulk MAP in powder or flake shape clumps if exposed to humidity. Dense solid or compacted batch resists crumbling, making for easier long-haul transport. Simple safety steps, like gloves and dust masks while pouring or mixing, take the edge off risk. Protective labeling and clear guidelines for storage prevent waste. Accidental dumping, especially near rivers or lakes, causes more ecological harm than workplace mishaps ever could. With the right containers and storage, even large operations keep waste low and safety high.
Chemical Name: Monoammonium phosphate
Formula: NH4H2PO4
Molecular Weight: 115.03 g/mol
HS Code: 31054000
Density: 1.8 g/cm3
Forms Available: Powder, flakes, pearls, solid, crystal
Solubility in Water: 180 g/Liter (20°C)
Melting Point: 190°C (decomposes)
Raw Materials: Ammonia, phosphoric acid
Hazard Level: Low; nonflammable; eye/skin/respiratory irritant
Major Uses: Fertilizer, fire retardant, chemical production
