Aqueous Ammonia Solution (Ammonium Hydroxide) – 25 %
Indroduction
Aqueous ammonia, commonly referred to as ammonia solution or ammonia water, is a solution of ammonia gas (NH₃) dissolved in water. It is a versatile and commonly used chemical solution with various applications across different industries. Here's an overview of aqueous ammonia:
CAS NO | 7664-41-7 |
Formula | NH3 |
Molecular weight | 17.031 g/mol |
Standard Specification
Description | A Clear Colorless Liquid Odor Strongly Pungent & Characteristic |
Assay | Contents of Ammonia i.e NH3 = 25 % @ 27 C Contents of Water 75 % |
Solubility | Mixable with water in all Proportions |
Identifications | I.P.Identification test for ammonia positive |
Residue On Evaporation | 0.0068 % |
Specific Gravity @ 25 c | 0.905 gms |
Chloride (AS CL) | Less than 0.0005 % |
Sulphate (AS SO4) | Less than 0.0002 % |
Iron (AS Fe) | Less than 0.00002 % |
Carbonate (AS CO3) | Less than 0.002 % |
Chemical Properties
Aqueous ammonia is a solution in which ammonia gas (NH₃) is dissolved in water (H₂O). When dissolved, ammonia reacts with water to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻):
NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
Physical Properties:
| Odor | It has |
| Concentration | Aqueous ammonia solutions come in various concentrations, typically ranging from around 5% to 30% ammonia by weight. |
| State | Aqueous ammonia is a clear and colorless liquid, similar to water in appearance. |
Production
Aqueous ammonia is produced by dissolving ammonia gas in water. The ammonia gas can be obtained through various methods, including the Haber-Bosch process, which involves the reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
Uses
Aqueous
ammonia finds application in several industries due to its unique properties:
| Fertilizers |
Ammonia solution is used as a source of nitrogen for fertilizers, such as ammonium |
| Cleaning and Degreasing |
It’s used in cleaning agents and degreasers, especially in industrial settings. |
| Wastewater Treatment | Ammoniais used in wastewater treatment processes to adjust pH and remove contaminantslike heavy metals. |
| Cooling Systems |
In refrigeration and air conditioning, aqueous ammonia is used as a |
|
Laboratory and Chemical Processes |
It’s used in various laboratory procedures, such as pH adjustment, extraction, and |
| Textile Industry |
Aqueous ammonia is used in textile processing, particularly for treating cotton |
|
Food Industry |
It’s used as a food additive in very small quantities to alter the pH of certain products. |
|
Safety Considerations |
Aqueous ammonia is corrosive and can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It’s important to handle it with care, use proper protective equipment, and ensure good ventilation when working with it. It’s also important to be cautious about mixing ammonia with other chemicals, as it can produce potentially harmful reactions. |
In conclusion, aqueous ammonia is a versatile solution with a range of applications in various industries. Its ability to release ammonia gas and its pH-adjusting properties make it valuable for different processes, but its potential hazards highlight the importance of proper handling and safety precautions.