NH4OH – Ammonium Hydroxide, 1336-21-6

NH4OH or ammonium hydroxide is a clear, colorless solution commonly known as household ammonia. It is a strong alkaline solution with a pH of 11-12. It is used as a cleaning agent, in the production of fertilizers, and in some food applications as a leavening agent.

IUPAC NameAmmonium Hydroxide
Molecular FormulaNH4OH
CAS number1336-21-6
SynonymsAmmonia Solution, Aqueous Ammonia, Household Ammonia
InChIInChI=1S/H5NO/c1-5(2,3)4/h(H,1,2,3,4)/p+1

Ammonium Hydroxide Properties

Ammonium Hydroxide Formula

The chemical formula of ammonium hydroxide is NH4OH. The formula represents the relative number and types of atoms in the compound. The “N” represents nitrogen, “H” represents hydrogen, and “O” represents oxygen. The subscript numbers in the formula indicate the number of atoms of each element in the compound. In the case of ammonium hydroxide, there is one nitrogen atom, four hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The formula for ammonium hydroxide represents the ionic compound, which is composed of positively charged ammonium ions (NH4+) and negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-).

Ammonium Hydroxide Ph

The pH of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is basic, with a pH value of approximately 11. This means that ammonium hydroxide has a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) and is highly alkaline. The pH of ammonium hydroxide solutions can vary depending on concentration, temperature, and other factors, but it is generally considered to be a strong base with a pH above 7.0. Ammonium hydroxide is commonly used in various industrial and household applications, such as cleaning and pH adjustment, because of its high alkalinity. However, it is important to handle ammonium hydroxide with caution, as it can be corrosive and hazardous if not handled properly.

Ammonium Hydroxide MSDS

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, which is a document that provides information on the properties, handling, storage, and disposal of a chemical substance. An MSDS for ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) would provide information on its physical and chemical properties, potential health effects, fire and explosion hazards, and any protective measures that should be taken when handling or using the substance.

The MSDS for ammonium hydroxide would also include information on its toxicity, reactivity, and flammability, as well as any appropriate first aid measures in case of exposure. Additionally, the MSDS would provide information on the proper storage and disposal of ammonium hydroxide, including any necessary precautions to avoid spills or leaks.

Ammonium Hydroxide Solubility

Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is highly soluble in water. It forms a clear, colorless, and highly alkaline solution with a characteristic odor. The solubility of ammonium hydroxide in water depends on temperature and concentration, with higher temperatures and concentrations leading to increased solubility.

In general, ammonium hydroxide readily dissolves in water, producing a neutral to alkaline solution with a pH value of around 9 to 11. The solubility of ammonium hydroxide in water is also influenced by other factors such as pressure, temperature, and the presence of other dissolved substances.

Ammonium Hydroxide Molar Mass

The molar mass of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is 35.05 g/mol. This value is important in determining the amount of ammonium hydroxide in a sample, as well as in chemical reactions involving the compound. To determine the molar mass of a substance, the atomic weights of all the elements in the compound are summed up. In the case of ammonium hydroxide, the molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic weights of nitrogen (14.01 g/mol), hydrogen (1.01 g/mol), and oxygen (16.00 g/mol).

Ammonium Hydroxide Boiling Point

The boiling point of ammonium hydroxide is approximately 38°C. This value is important in determining the conditions under which the compound will change from a liquid to a gas. Find the boiling point of ammonium hydroxide by measuring the vapor pressure of the substance. The vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by the vapor above the liquid in a closed container. Keep in mind that the boiling point can also change based on pressure and temperature.

Ammonium Hydroxide Melting Point

The melting point of ammonium hydroxide is -77°C. This value is important in determining the conditions under which the compound will change from a solid to a liquid. Measure the melting point of ammonium hydroxide by evaluating the strength of its intermolecular bonds. Remember that the melting point can vary based on the pressure and temperature of the surrounding environment.

Ammonium Hydroxide Density g/ml

The density of ammonium hydroxide is approximately 0.91 g/mL. This value is important in determining the amount of ammonium hydroxide in a given volume, as well as in calculating the mass of the substance in a given volume. Determine the density of ammonium hydroxide by dividing its mass by the volume it occupies. Keep in mind that the density of a substance can change based on temperature and pressure.

Ammonium Hydroxide Molecular Weight

The molecular weight of ammonium hydroxide is 35.05 g/mol. This value is important in determining the amount of ammonium hydroxide in a sample, as well as in chemical reactions involving the compound. Calculate the molecular weight of ammonium hydroxide by adding the atomic weights of nitrogen (14.01 g/mol), hydrogen (1.01 g/mol), and oxygen (16.00 g/mol).

NH4OH

Ammonium Hydroxide Structure

Ammonium hydroxide forms from the combination of positively charged ammonium ions (NH4+) and negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). The ionic bonds between these ions create a strong electrostatic attraction, leading to the formation of the compound.


AppearanceClear, colorless liquid
Specific Gravity0.91 g/mL
ColorColorless
OdorPungent, ammonia-like odor
Molar Mass35.05 g/mol
Density0.91 g/mL
Melting Point-77°C
Boiling Point38°C
Flash PointNot applicable
Water SolubilityCompletely soluble
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol and methanol
Vapor Pressure17.5 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density0.6 (air = 1)
pKa10.64
pH11.6 (1 M solution)

Ammonium Hydroxide Safety and Hazards

Ammonium hydroxide is a strong alkaline solution and can be hazardous if handled improperly. It can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems if inhaled. In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if necessary. If ingested, it can cause serious harm and even death, so it is important to keep it out of reach of children and pets. It is also flammable and should be stored away from heat sources and flames. When using ammonium hydroxide, it is important to wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection. If a spill occurs, neutralize with an acid and clean up with proper ventilation. Observing safety precautions and proper storage is crucial in handling ammonium hydroxide.

Hazard SymbolsCorrosive
Safety DescriptionS26, S37/39
UN IDsUN2672
HS Code2814.10.00
Hazard Class8
Packing GroupII
ToxicityHarmful if ingested, inhaled, or in contact with skin. Can cause severe irritation and burns.

Ammonium Hydroxide Synthesis Methods

Ammonium hydroxide can be synthesized through two main methods: the ammonium chloride process and the ammonia process.

The ammonium chloride process involves the reaction of ammonia gas and hydrochloric acid, producing ammonium chloride and water:

NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl + H2O

The ammonium chloride is then dissolved in water to produce an ammonium hydroxide solution. This solution can be further concentrated by distillation to produce a concentrated solution of ammonium hydroxide.

The ammonia process involves the direct reaction of ammonia gas and water, producing ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:

NH3 + H2O → NH4OH + H2

The production of ammonium hydroxide can be controlled by adjusting the temperature and pressure during the exothermic reaction, resulting in a solution that can be purified and concentrated through scrubbing and distillation techniques. The industrial production of ammonium hydroxide commonly uses the ammonia process due to its simplicity and efficiency, but the ammonium chloride process serves as a backup option in case of ammonia shortages.

Ammonium Hydroxide Uses

Ammonium hydroxide has a variety of uses in different industries. Some of its common applications are:

  1. In various household and industrial applications, ammonium hydroxide is used as a cleaning agent to effectively remove grease, oils, and dirt from surfaces.
  2. In the food industry, it serves as a sanitizer to kill bacteria and pathogens on food contact surfaces. In agriculture, ammonium hydroxide provides essential nitrogen as a fertilizer for plant growth and is a key ingredient in the production of ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
  3. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the production of certain drugs and as a pH adjuster in the manufacture of some medical products.
  4. The baking industry utilizes ammonium hydroxide as a leavening agent to make dough rise, and it also functions as a flavoring agent in some food products and as a pH adjuster in the production of some foods and beverages.
  5. In the textile industry, ammonium hydroxide neutralizes acids and adjusts pH levels in the production of textiles. In water treatment, it adjusts pH levels and removes impurities.

Overall, ammonium hydroxide is a versatile and widely used chemical, with applications in various industries. However, it is important to handle ammonium hydroxide safely, as it can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Questions:

Is ammonium hydroxide soluble?

Yes, ammonium hydroxide is highly soluble in water. It forms a clear, colorless, highly alkaline solution with a characteristic odor. The solubility of ammonium hydroxide in water depends on temperature and concentration, with higher temperatures and concentrations leading to increased solubility.


What is the chemical formula for ammonium hydroxide?

The chemical formula for ammonium hydroxide is NH4OH.


What is the formula for ammonium hydroxide?

The formula for ammonium hydroxide is NH4OH.

Is ammonium hydroxide a strong base?

Yes, ammonium hydroxide is considered to be a strong base. It dissociates completely in water to form hydroxide ions (OH-) and ammonium ions (NH4+), which makes it highly alkaline with a pH of around 11. This high alkalinity makes it a useful chemical in a variety of industrial and household applications, such as cleaning and pH adjustment. However, it is important to handle ammonium hydroxide with care, as it can be corrosive and hazardous if not handled properly.

nh4oh compound name

The chemical compound name for NH4OH is ammonium hydroxide.

nh4oh name

The name for NH4OH is ammonium hydroxide.