Purifiying solution of ammonium nitrate.

[Fezziwig]

I've made up a solution of ammonium nitrate from an instant cold pack, however the solution I've made is slightly cloudy and a dull yellow color. I've put it through a coffee filter once but it hasn't really helped. Is there anyway to purify my solution?

 

[Borek]

This is not a safe compound to work with. Crystallization could work.

 

[Fezziwig]

Thanks for the quick reply! What kind of dangers are there when dealing with ammonium nitrate? and by Crystallization are you referring to Recrystallization as described here? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recrystallization_(chemistry ).

 

[Borek]

Do you remember April Texas factory explosion? It was the ammonium nitrate. It can explode even when dissolved. Sure, it requires a hot, concentrated solution - but heating and concentrating is what we usually do during crystallization.

And yes, recrystallization in wikipedia is more or less what I am referring to.

 

[Integral]

Aug 7, 1959. 1:15am 7 tons of ammonium nitrate blew up in Roseburg Or, my home town. 14 killed, 6 blocks of downtown destroyed.

Texas City ~1953 a shipload of Ammonium nitrate blew up killing hundreds and destroyed a large area.

this is dangerous stuff, do not "play" with large quantities.

 

[Fezziwig]

This is ~ 100 grams and I'll be sure to do it outside.