Prafulla Chandra Roy, an Indian Chemist and Entrepreneur is credited with synthesizing Ammonium Nitrite in its pure form. Ammonium Nitrite has the chemical formula NH₄NO_2. Prior to this discovery, it was believed that Ammonium Nitrite can not exist in a pure form. It releases nitrogen and water by undergoing rapid thermal decomposition.

Ammonium Nitrite is the Ammonia salt of nitrous acid and is highly toxic. It is used as a pesticide, rodenticide and microbiocide. It explodes at about 60 – 70 °C.