What is Ammonia?
Ammonia or NH3 is a colorless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, widely used in industry as a refrigerant, cleaning agent, and fertilizer.
| IUPAC Name | Ammonia |
| Molecular Formula | NH3 |
| CAS number | 7664-41-7 |
| Synonyms | Azane, nitrogen trihydride, spirits of hartshorn |
| InChI | InChI=1S/NH3/c1-2 |
Ammonia Properties
Ammonia Lewis Structure
The Lewis structure of ammonia (NH3) shows the arrangement of electrons in the molecule. In a Lewis structure, dots represent electrons, and lines represent bonds between atoms.
The Lewis structure of ammonia shows the nitrogen atom surrounded by three hydrogen atoms and a pair of electrons shared between the nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. This represents the covalent bonds in the molecule. The nitrogen atom has five valence electrons, and the hydrogen atoms have one valence electron each. In the Lewis structure of ammonia, the nitrogen atom forms three single bonds with the hydrogen atoms and has one unshared electron pair.
Ammonia Formula
The chemical formula for ammonia is NH3. The formula indicates that there are three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom in each molecule of ammonia. The formula represents the composition of the substance and provides important information about its properties and behavior.
NH3 Molar Mass
The molar mass of a substance is the mass of one mole of the substance and is expressed in grams per mole. The molar mass of ammonia (NH3) is 17.0307 g/mol. This means that one mole of ammonia has a mass of 17.0307 grams. The molar mass of a substance is important in determining the number of moles in a given sample and can be used to determine the formula mass of a compound.
Ammonia Boiling Point
NH3 has a boiling point of -33.34 °C (-28.012 °F). The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure, and it begins to change from a liquid to a gas. The boiling point of NH3 is relatively low compared to other chemicals, making it a useful refrigerant in cooling and refrigeration systems.
NH3 Melting Point
NH3 has a melting point of -77.73 °C (-107.87 °F). The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid. The low melting point of NH3 makes it a useful refrigerant, as it can be easily condensed from a gas to a liquid, allowing it to absorb heat as it changes state.
NH3 Density g/ml
The density of a substance is the mass of a sample per unit of volume. The density of NH3 is 0.769 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of NH3 has a mass of 0.769 grams. The density of a substance can be used to determine the amount of material present in a given volume, and it is an important property for understanding the behavior of a substance in different states.
NH3 Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of a substance is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a single molecule of the substance. The molecular weight of NH3 (NH3) is 17.0307 g/mol. This means that one molecule of NH3 has a molecular weight of 17.0307 grams per mole. The molecular weight of a substance is important in determining the number of moles in a given sample and can be used to determine the formula mass of a compound.
NH3 Structure
NH3 is a molecule composed of three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom. The nitrogen atom is bonded to the hydrogen atoms via a covalent bond, and the molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape. The bond angles in the molecule are approximately 107°. NH3 is a polar molecule, meaning it has a positive and negative end, and is commonly used as a solvent and a reactant in chemical reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 0.59 (air = 1) |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pungent, strong odor |
| Molar Mass | 17.0307 g/mol |
| Density | 0.769 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -77.73 °C |
| Boiling Point | -33.34 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas) |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and most organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 50.7 kPa at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 0.59 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 4.75 |
| pH | 11.6 (saturated solution) |
Ammonia Safety and Hazards
NH3 is a highly toxic and corrosive gas that can cause serious harm to human health and the environment if not handled properly. NH3 can cause severe burns to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and can also be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations. In addition, NH3 is highly reactive and can ignite or explode if it comes into contact with certain chemicals or materials.
It is important to take safety precautions when handling or working with NH3. This includes wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, eye protection, and a face mask, and using proper ventilation to avoid inhaling the gas. It is also important to store NH3 in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources and other flammable materials. In case of exposure to NH3, it is important to remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of exposure occur.
| Hazard Symbols | T+, N |
| Safety Description | Dangerous for the environment, harmful if inhaled, irritant |
| UN Ids | UN 1005 |
| HS Code | 2814.1 |
| Hazard Class | 2.3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic, lethal dose (inhalation) – 33-66 ppm |
Ammonia Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for the synthesis of ammonia, including the Haber process, the Ostwald process, and the Birkeland-Eyde process.
The Haber process, also known as the Haber-Bosch process, is the most widely used method for the industrial synthesis of ammonia. In this process, nitrogen gas from the air is reacted with hydrogen gas over an iron catalyst to form ammonia. The reaction takes place under high pressure (around 150 atmospheres) and at a temperature of 450-500°C. The Haber process is highly efficient, producing large quantities of ammonia with a high yield, and is used as the main source of ammonia for the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.
The Ostwald process, also known as the nitrogen fixation process, is an older method of synthesizing ammonia that involves the oxidation of nitrogen gas to nitric oxide, followed by the reaction of nitric oxide with more nitrogen gas to form ammonia. This process is less efficient and has largely been replaced by the Haber process.
The Birkeland-Eyde process, also known as the plasma process, is a newer method for synthesizing ammonia that uses a plasma discharge to dissociate nitrogen and hydrogen gases and form ammonia. This process is still in the developmental stage and has not been widely adopted for industrial use.
In summary, the Haber process is the most commonly used method for the synthesis of ammonia, while the Ostwald process and Birkeland-Eyde process are older or less widely used methods.
Ammonia Uses
Ammonia is a versatile chemical that has a wide range of uses in industry and agriculture. Some of the main uses of ammonia include:
- Fertilizer production: The main ingredient in the production of nitrogen fertilizers, ammonia increases crop yields and improves soil fertility.
- Refrigeration: Industry and household refrigeration systems utilize ammonia as a refrigerant, including refrigerators and freezers.
- Cleaning: Household cleaning products often include ammonia due to its ability to dissolve grease and dirt.
- Pharmaceuticals: The production of various pharmaceuticals, such as antacids and cough syrups, uses ammonia as a raw material.
- Textile production: The dyeing and printing of textiles, as well as the production of synthetic fibers, utilize ammonia.
- Waste treatment: Wastewater treatment and odor control from sewage treatment plants involves the use of ammonia.
- Flame retardants: Ammonia acts as a flame retardant in the production of materials such as plastics, rubbers, and others.
- Oil and gas production: The oil and gas industry uses ammonia to produce various chemicals, including surfactants and demulsifiers.
In conclusion, ammonia is a versatile chemical that has a wide range of uses in various industries and applications, including agriculture, refrigeration, cleaning, pharmaceuticals, textile production, waste treatment, flame retardants, and oil and gas production.
Questions:
Is ammonia an acid or base?
Ammonia is considered a base. In aqueous solutions, it dissolves to form hydroxide ions (OH-) and acts as a weak base. Ammonia has a basic (alkaline) pH, typically around 11. Ammonia solutions can neutralize acids to form salt and water, which is one of the defining characteristics of a base. In chemical reactions, ammonia can also act as a nucleophile and participate in reactions that form amides, which are derivatives of ammonia and contain the nitrogen-carbon bond characteristic of amines and amides.
Is ammonia polar?
Yes, ammonia is polar. It has a bent molecular geometry with a central nitrogen atom surrounded by three hydrogen atoms. This shape creates a permanent dipole moment, with the positive end of the dipole located at the hydrogen atoms and the negative end located at the nitrogen atom. The polar nature of ammonia allows it to dissolve in polar solvents like water, which is a characteristic of polar molecules. The polar nature of ammonia also allows it to participate in hydrogen bonding, which is a type of intermolecular force that occurs between polar molecules. This hydrogen bonding can lead to higher boiling and melting points compared to similar-sized nonpolar molecules.