Australia's Science Forum

Hi everyone,
I think this came up once before but what are people using instead of ammonium nitrate for year11 chem. (we can no longer purchase this.)

Helen

Hi

you are able to purchase Ammonium Nitrate, but you can't hold more than 3kgs under the legistation before you MUST get a Licence. I've been able to buy it without any problems. I've had this out with the appropriate Authority at WorkCover.

Kim

Hi!

How recently did you buy it and where did you get it from??

I ordered some recently from Serrata but was not supplied with it. They no longer stock it. When I contacted Silform chemicals the gentleman I spoke to said that no matter what quantity you buy, you require separate licences to buy it, use it, store it, ship it,import etc. Because of this and the small quantities required particularly by schools the licences cost more for them than actually selling it and would also not be worth it for the schools. He did say to contact the relevant government department, in NSW he thought Natural Resources and Mining(?) to find out for sure.

Lorrae

Lorrae

It was 6 mths ago, and I think it was from SSA. Schools are exempt from a Licence up to 3KGs, but I think you hit the answer, and that it is too much of a headache. Having said that universities and other reseach organisations only buy small amounts, so must be available. My answer would be contact ChemSupply and they will provide you with someone who will. Ther've helped me in the past with difficult items.

Kim

Just a quick update.
Just spoke to SSA they no longer sell this either. Apparently it has a new classification.

Lorrae

Hi Cheltie,

If you were using ammonium nitrate to demonstrate an endothermic reaction try using potassium nitrate instead. Not as spectacularly effective as the ammonium nitrate but will still show temperature reduction.

Lyn

Thanks Lynda that is what we were doing so I will give that a go next time.
Helen