Ammonia (NH₃)
Ammonia (NH₃) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, lighter than air, and highly soluble in water.
8b.1 Laboratory Preparation
Ammonia is produced by heating ammonium chloride with slaked lime:
$$2NH_4Cl + Ca(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3↑ + CaCl_2 + 2H_2O$$
8b.2 Properties
Physical Properties
- Colorless, pungent gas: Ammonia has a strong smell that is easily recognizable.
- Lighter than air: This property allows it to rise quickly when released into the atmosphere.
- Highly soluble in water: It forms an alkaline solution when dissolved.
Chemical Properties
- Basic in nature: Ammonia turns red litmus blue, indicating its basic property.
- Forms ammonium salts: The reaction with acids produces ammonium salts, such as with hydrochloric acid:
$$NH_3 + HCl \rightarrow NH_4Cl$$
8b.3 Uses
Ammonia is a vital compound used extensively in various industries:
- Manufacture of nitric acid: A key chemical in fertilizers and explosives.
- Used as a refrigerant: Beneficial in cooling systems due to its high efficiency.
- Used in fertilizers: Essential in promoting agricultural growth.