Ammonium Sulfamate (CAS 7773-06-0)

Ammonium sulfamate, a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula NH4OSO2NH2, is primarily recognized for its use as a herbicide in horticultural applications, where it inhibits plant growth by disrupting nitrogen metabolism. Beyond its agricultural uses, ammonium sulfamate has also been utilized in various research applications, particularly in studies involving nitrogen metabolism and enzyme inhibition. The compound acts as a nitrogen source and can interfere with the synthesis of essential amino acids, which is beneficial for understanding metabolic pathways in both plants and microorganisms. Its mechanism involves the inhibition of the enzyme glutamine synthetase, which plays a crucial role in the assimilation of ammonia and the synthesis of glutamine, thereby affecting overall nitrogen utilization within the organism. In ecological studies, researchers have explored its effects on soil chemistry and microbial communities, providing insights into the environmental impact of nitrogen-rich compounds. Additionally, ammonium sulfamate has been used in the chemical industry as a flame retardant, where it contributes to the formation of a char barrier that slows down the spread of fire. Its ability to decompose into ammonia and sulfamic acid upon heating also makes it useful in industrial cleaning applications, where it helps in descaling operations by breaking down mineral deposits. Thus, ammonium sulfamate serves a versatile role, extending from agricultural practices to biochemical research and industrial applications.