Ammonium oxide ((NH4)2O) is a white crystalline compound that is soluble in water and acts as a weak base. It is produced through the reaction of ammonia and oxygen and used in fertilizers, cleaning agents, and as a fire suppressant.
| IUPAC Name | Ammonium Oxide |
| Molecular Formula | (NH4)2O |
| CAS number | 12046-03-6 |
| Synonyms | Ammonium Hydroxide, Ammonia Solution, Aqua Ammonia |
| InChI | InChI=1S/H4N.O/h1H4;/q+1;-1 |
Ammonium Oxide Properties
Ammonium Oxide Formula
Ammonium oxide formula is (NH4)2O. It is a compound made of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms combined with one oxygen atom.
Ammonium Oxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of ammonium oxide is approximately 52.07 grams per mole. It is calculated by adding the atomic weights of all the atoms present in the molecule. The molar mass helps in determining the number of particles present in a given amount of a substance.
Ammonium Oxide Boiling Point
The boiling point of (NH4)2O is around 90°C. It is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the pressure surrounding it, causing the liquid to change into a gas. The boiling point of a substance is an important physical property that can be used to identify and distinguish different compounds.
Ammonium Oxide Melting Point
The melting point of (NH4)2O is approximately -6°C. It is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. The melting point of a substance can be used to identify and distinguish different compounds, and also to determine the purity of a substance.
Ammonium Oxide Density g/ml
The density of (NH4)2O is approximately 1.02 g/ml. Density is the amount of mass per unit volume and is a fundamental physical property of a substance. The density of a substance can be used to identify and distinguish different compounds, and also to determine the purity of a substance.
Ammonium Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of ammonium oxide is approximately 52.07 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms present in a molecule of the substance. The molecular weight can be used to calculate the moles of a substance present in a given mass and is an important physical property used in many areas of science.
Ammonium Oxide Structure
Ammonium oxide is a compound composed of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. It has a molecular formula of (NH4)2O and is composed of two nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. The nitrogen atom is bonded to the oxygen atom by a covalent bond and also has a positive charge. The compound has a basic, or alkaline, nature due to the presence of the ammonium ion.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Ammoniacal |
| Molar Mass | 52.07 g/mol |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | -6°C |
| Boiling Point | 90°C |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A |
| Vapor Density | N/A |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | 11.6 (100g/L, H2O, 20°C) |
Ammonium Oxide Safety and Hazards
(NH4)2O is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Inhalation of its fumes may cause coughing, shortness of breath, and lung irritation. Contact with the skin may cause itching and redness. The compound should be handled with caution and protective measures such as gloves and eye protection should be used. In case of exposure, affected areas should be flushed with water, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist. It is also flammable and should be kept away from sources of ignition.
| Hazard Symbols | Irritant |
| Safety Description | S26-S36/37/39 |
| UN IDs | UN2672 |
| HS Code | 2841.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory system |
Ammonium Oxide Synthesis Methods
(NH4)2O can be synthesized through several methods, including the thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate and the reaction between ammonia gas and oxygen gas.
One method involves the thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate, which is a common fertilizer. The reaction produces ammonia gas and nitrogen dioxide, which is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide. The nitrogen monoxide reacts with more ammonia gas to form (NH4)2O.
Another method involves passing ammonia gas over a heated catalyst, which causes the nitrogen and oxygen atoms to combine and form (NH4)2O. Both of these methods produce (NH4)2O as a white crystalline solid, which can be purified by recrystallization.
Ammonium Oxide Uses
Industries use (NH4)2O for various purposes due to its high ammonium content and strong alkaline properties. As a fertilizer, it provides a source of nitrogen for plants. Cleaning agents use it to dissolve grease and dirt. The metal industry uses it as a reducing agent for metal oxides, including aluminum production. As a refrigerant, it is used in industrial cooling systems and as a source of nitrogen in nitric acid production. In the laboratory, chemists use it as a source of ammonia for chemical reactions. (NH4)2O’s versatility makes it a valuable chemical with multiple applications across industries.