Ammonium Sulfate (CAS 7783-20-2)

Ammonium sulfate, with the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4, is an inorganic salt that is widely used across various industrial and research fields due to its solubility in water and chemical stability. Composed of two ammonium ions and one sulfate ion, it is predominantly used as a fertilizer in agriculture for its high nitrogen content, which is essential for plant growth. However, in research domains outside of agricultural uses, ammonium sulfate plays a significant role in biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in the purification of proteins. A key mechanism of action in this context is its ability to precipitate proteins by increasing the ionic strength of the solution, a process known as "salting out." This property is exploited in protein purification protocols to selectively precipitate proteins from solution, thereby facilitating their separation and purification. Ammonium sulfate is particularly valued for its effectiveness and predictability in this application because it is highly soluble, does not disrupt protein structure, and can be easily removed by dialysis or desalting. Additionally, it is used in other areas of biochemical research to stabilize enzymes during storage and manipulate protein solubility in various experimental conditions. The compound′s versatility and non-toxic nature make it a staple in many laboratory settings, where precise manipulation of biochemical properties is crucial.