Ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride are ionic compounds that react with one another to form calcium nitrate and ammonium chloride, according to Mt. Hood Community College. Both ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride are widely used in a number of industrial and household substances, according to Peters Chemical Company. Since both substances and the substances they form by reaction can cause skin, eye and lung irritation, always take care when handling ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate or ammonium chloride.
Identification
Ammonium nitrate is known by the chemical formula NH4NO3, according to its Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). It also goes by the names nitric acid and ammonium salt. Calcium chloride is also known as CaCl2, calcium dichloride, and the brand name Caltac, according to its MSDS. Calcium nitrate's chemical formula is Ca(NO3)2, according to its MSDS, and it may also be called nitric acid or calcium (II) salt. Ammonium chloride is known by the chemical formula NH4Cl and also by the name sal ammoniac, according to its MSDS.
Function
Both ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride are common ingredients in ice-melting compounds and in chemical fertilizers, according to Peters Chemical Company. Their products, calcium nitrate and ammonium chloride, are also used in fertilizer, according to the Zaclon Chemical Company. Ammonium chloride is also used to clean soldering irons, galvanize steel and refine zinc.
Reaction
Ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride are ionic compounds, according to Mt. Hood Community College. An ionic compound is one in which a portion of the compound has a slight positive or negative electrical charge. The attractions between the positive charges in one compound and the negative charges in the other cause ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride to rearrange themselves into ammonium chloride and calcium nitrate. Because both ammonium chloride and calcium nitrate dissolve in water, neither one precipitates, or falls to the bottom, during a reaction.
Warning
Ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and ammonium chloride will all cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation if they come in contact with the eyes, skin or throat. In order to prevent damage, always wear eye protection, a mask and gloves when working with any of these compounds. In addition, ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate may ignite on contact with air. Make sure your workspace has the appropriate fire-fighting tools in case of fire before working with these chemicals.
Storage
Ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate should be stored in tightly closed containers away from sources of ignition and things that burn easily, such as wood, paper and oil. Always store any of the compounds in their original containers, and do not reuse containers, because the chemicals previously stored in them may contaminate the new contents or react with them.
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