Low temperature electrical conductivity,dielectric constant,and phase transitions in (NH4)2SO4 and (ND4)2SO4

Careful axiswise measurements of d.c. conductivity and dielectric constants of (NH₄)₂SO₄ from 50 to - 196°C establish two distinct phase transitions, instead of one, at temperatures -49.5 and -58°C which remain unchanged in (ND₄)₂SO₄. Explanation based on successive distortions of non-equivalent (NH₄)⁺ is offered. Low temperature transport process in the crystal also is discussed.