Learn about the properties of Ammonia

Ammonia having formula of NH₃ is a colourless, odourless gas that is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen. It’s the simplest stable compound of these elements, and it’s used to make a variety of commercially relevant nitrogen compounds. Ammonia is a precursor for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis and is required for numerous biological functions. Ammonia is a component of the nitrogen cycle in the environment, and it is created in soil by bacterial activities. In this article we will discuss everything related to ammonia like its structure, properties and various uses.  

Structure of Ammonia

The atom ammonia is a covalent one.

The core atom of the particle is shaped by the overlap of orbitals of three hydrogen atoms and three sp³ hybrid orbitals of nitrogen in the structure. A lone pair is involved in the fourth sp³ hybrid orbital.

Ammonia has a trigonal pyramidal shape as a result of this.

The H-N-H bond edge is 107.3°, which is somewhat different from the 109°28 tetrahedral edge.

Because the bond pair-lone pair repulsions drive the N-H bonds inwards, this is the case.

Ammonia is linked by hydrogen bonds in both solid and liquid phases.

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a colourless gas with an unpleasant odour. It has both nitrogen and hydrogen atoms in it. It occurs naturally in the human body as well as in nature, such as in air, water, soil, and even microorganisms. Ammonia and ammonium ions are key components of various metabolic processes in the human body. When the human body breaks down protein-rich diets into ammonia and amino acids, it creates ammonia. The ammonia is subsequently converted to urea. It also plays a critical part in the production of a wide range of products that we use on a daily basis. 

Ammonium hydroxide, sometimes known as household ammonia, is an important component of our everyday cleaning products. Ammonia is the primary component of ammonium nitrate fertiliser. It has a tendency to release nitrogen, which is an essential ingredient for plant growth. We will study about the properties of ammonia, the uses of liquid ammonia, and additional uses of ammonia in this article. 

Rainwater contains trace levels of ammonia and ammonium salts, whereas ammonium chloride (sal ammoniac) and ammonium sulphate are found in volcanic districts. The kidneys produce ammonia to neutralise excess acid.

 Properties of Ammonia

Physical Properties

• Formula- NH₃

• Molecular Weight- 17.031 g/mol

• Density- 0.73 kg/m³

• Boiling Point- -33.34 °C

• Melting Point- -77.73 °C

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Chemical Properties

• Ammonia is very water soluble. Because OH- ions occur in the NH3 aqueous solution, it is a weak base.

NH₃ + H₂O → N₄⁺ + OH⁻

• When ammonia combines with an acid, ammonium salts are generated.

ZnSO₄ + NH₄OH(g) → Zn(OH)₂ + (NH₄)₂SO₄ 

various uses of ammonia

1. Around 90% of the ammonia generated is used in fertilisers to aid in the production of food for the world’s population. When food crops are grown naturally, the nutrients in the soil are depleted.

2. Ammonia is utilised as a component or as a stand-alone ingredient in a variety of home products that are used to clean a variety of domestic surfaces such as sinks, toilets, tubs, tiles, kitchen counters, and other similar items. Ammonia may also be used to remove stains produced by vegetable oils, animal fats, or any other sort of domestic filth or cooking grease from a variety of fabrics and surfaces

3. Water treatment also involves the use of ammonia. It’s also used to make a variety of items, including fabrics, plastics, dyes, explosives, and pesticides

4. When used as a refrigerant or in air-conditioning equipment, ammonia absorbs a significant amount of heat from its surroundings

5. Ammonia is also used as a stabiliser, neutralizer, and nitrogen source in the treatment of wastewater and waste, rubber, cold storage, paper and pulp, and the food and beverage sectors

 Conclusion

Ammonia is a gas that occurs naturally and is also created by humans. It is a significant supply of nitrogen, which is required by both plants and animals in large quantities. Bacteria in the intestines have the ability to create ammonia. Ammonia is a colourless gas with a strong stench that distinguishes it from other gases. A lot of people are acquainted with this fragrance since ammonia is used in a variety of goods such as smelling salts, several types of home and commercial cleaners, and window-cleaning products. Ammonia gas may be dissolved in water and used as a fertiliser. Aqueous ammonia or liquid ammonia are the terms used to describe this kind of ammonia. When liquid ammonia is exposed to the air, it swiftly decomposes and transforms into a gas. Ammonia is sprayed directly onto agricultural fields and used to create fertilisers for crops, lawns, and plants. It is also used to manufacture fertilisers for livestock. Ammonia is included in a variety of home and commercial cleansers.