Final answer:
Ammonium phosphate is an ionic compound comprising the polyatomic ions ammonium (NH4+) and phosphate (PO43-). These ions bond together to form a neutral compound used primarily as a phosphorus source in agricultural fertilizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ammonium phosphate is an example of an ionic compound that contains polyatomic ions. Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms bonded together that carry an overall electrical charge. In the case of ammonium phosphate, it is composed of the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the phosphate ion (PO43-). Ammonium ions are formed when a hydrogen ion (H+) attaches to the lone pair on an ammonia (NH3) molecule, resulting in a coordinate covalent bond. Conversely, phosphate ions consist of one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, carrying a 3- charge.
When combining these ions to form the ionic compound ammonium phosphate, the charges must balance to create an electrically neutral compound. The chemical formula of ammonium phosphate is determined by the requirement of charge balance, which in this case is (NH4)3PO4:
- Three ammonium ions (NH4+) are needed to balance the charge of one phosphate ion (PO43-), resulting in a neutral compound.
Ammonium phosphate serves as a significant phosphorus source in agriculture, particularly in fertilizers with common grades such as 11-52-0 for monoammonium phosphate and 18-46-0 for diammonium phosphate, both being granular and water-soluble.