Why in news?
On 15 November 2025, a powerful car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort killed a doctor and injured several others. Investigators suspect that a fuel oil mix with ammonium nitrate and the unstable compound TATP was used as the explosive charge. This incident again highlighted how a common industrial chemical can be misused for terror attacks.
Background
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a white, crystalline salt that dissolves readily in water. It contains nitrogen both as ammonium and nitrate, making it an effective fertiliser that provides crops with essential nutrients. Mining and construction companies also mix ammonium nitrate with diesel fuel to form ANFO, a cheap and powerful blasting agent. While stable under normal conditions, ammonium nitrate decomposes violently if exposed to high heat or contamination, releasing oxygen and accelerating combustion. Catastrophic explosions such as the 2020 Beirut port disaster demonstrated the dangers of poor storage and regulation.
Properties and uses
- Chemical composition: Consists of ammonium cations and nitrate anions. The compound is highly soluble in water and hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from air.
- Fertiliser: Provides readily available nitrogen to plants. Farmers around the world use it to boost yields of wheat, corn and other crops.
- Industrial explosives: When combined with fuels such as diesel or kerosene (ANFO), it becomes a low‑cost blasting agent for mining, quarrying and road construction.
- Other applications: Used in cold packs because it absorbs heat as it dissolves. It also serves as an oxidiser in rocket propellants and fireworks.
Hazards and regulation
- Explosion risk: Pure ammonium nitrate is difficult to detonate. However, heat from fire or mixing with strong fuels can trigger rapid decomposition, releasing gases and causing shock waves. Improperly stored stockpiles have led to major disasters.
- Misuse for bombs: Militant groups have used ammonium nitrate–fuel oil bombs because the ingredients are easy to obtain. The mixture that reportedly caused the Delhi blast weighed about 40–50 kg and did not require a detonator.
- Regulatory controls: Many countries classify ammonium nitrate as a controlled substance. Suppliers must maintain records, and facilities must follow strict fire‑safety standards to limit the risk of ignition.
- Safe handling: Keep the compound cool, dry and away from contaminants such as oil, metal filings or organic matter. Store in small, well‑ventilated compartments with adequate sprinklers.
Conclusion
Ammonium nitrate is an indispensable fertiliser and industrial input, yet its dual nature means it can quickly become a lethal weapon. The Delhi car blast underscores the importance of secure supply chains and public awareness. Farmers and industry must follow safety guidelines, and law‑enforcement agencies need to enforce licensing and monitoring to prevent misuse.
Source: The Times of India · Chemical Abstracts Service