An Overview of Ammonia Properties and Uses

Physical and Chemical Properties

As a gas, ammonia is lighter than air and has a molar mass of 17.031 g/mol. It is highly soluble in water and can dissolve to form an ammonium hydroxide solution. Ammonia molecules exist as NH3 units, having a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. Each nitrogen atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The N-H bonds have partial double bond character due to nitrogen's 3s and 3p orbitals overlapping with the 1s hydrogen orbital. This gives ammonia a relatively high boiling point of −33 °C compared to other gases of similar molar mass.

Ammonia is basic in nature and acts as a Brønsted-Lowry base by accepting a proton from water. Dilute solutions of ammonia are commonly referred to as ammonium hydroxide. Concentrated solutions are highly corrosive and must be handled with care. The pKa of the NH4+/NH3 pair in water is about 9.25, meaning ammonia exists predominantly as the NH3 molecule above this pH.

Applications in Industry and Agriculture

One of the largest applications of Ammonia is as a nitrogen fertilizer for agriculture. Ammonia provides nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient, in a form that plants can uptake from the soil. Around 80-90% of the ammonia produced globally is used to make nitrogen fertilizers through the Haber-Bosch process. Common nitrogen fertilizers include anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and urea.

In industry, ammonia is an important feedstock for the large-scale commercial synthesis of many chemicals and plastics. It is used to produce nitric acid, another key component in fertilizers and explosives. Other industrial chemicals derived from ammonia include acrylonitrile, adiponitrile, methacrylamide, and acrylamide. These are used to make plastics, fibers, and fertilizers.

Ammonia also has uses as a refrigerant and an industrial cleaning agent. Its high solubility in water allows for effective cleaning of various industrial surfaces and machinery. Ammonia solutions are commonly used for metal etching and glass cleaning.

Applications in Household Products

While concentrated ammonia solutions are corrosive and hazardous, dilute solutions have applications as household cleaners. Low concentration ammonia-based cleaners help cut through grease and dirt effectively without harming most surfaces.

Ammonia is also found in many glass cleaners and window sprays due to its ability to dissolve dirt, grease, and fingerprint marks. Some multi-purpose cleaners contain ammonium compounds that act as surfactants for lifting tough stains. Ammonia vapors help remove odors from the air and scrub cabinets or bathrooms when combined with water in a spray bottle.

Health Effects and Precautions

Although useful in many applications, ammonia must be handled responsibly due to potential health hazards. The gas can cause severe burns on contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes. High concentrations may damage the respiratory tract if inhaled. Symptoms of overexposure include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and in extreme cases pulmonary edema.

Skin contact with concentrated ammonia solutions (>10%) should immediately be washed away with plenty of water. Eyes should be irrigated with clean water or saline if exposed. Indoor spaces should be well ventilated to avoid buildup of toxic gases. Protective equipment like gloves, eye protection and respiratory masks are necessary during industrial usage or large-scale cleaning. Proper safety training and labels are important for safe handling of ammonia.

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