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Definition of Ammonia
Ammonia (also known as Amoniac or Amoni) is a chemical compound consisting of two elements: nitrogen and hydrogen. In English, it is called “Ammonia”. Its atomic mass is 14.007u; and its molar mass is 17.031 g/mol. The ammonia molecule consists of one nitrogen atom linked to three hydrogen atoms by three single covalent bonds. In solution, ammonia exists in the form of the ammonium ion (NH4^+). -
Properties of Ammonia
2.1 Physical properties: Under standard conditions, ammonia is a colorless gas with a very unpleasant characteristic odor. The pH of an ammonia solution is very high due to its strong base properties.
2.2 Chemical properties: Ammonia has the ability to react with acids to form salts, with oxygen to form water and nitrogen, or with metals such as sodium, potassium to form nitrites. -
Common chemical equations
Reaction with metals: 2NH3 + 3CuO -> N2 + 3H2O + 3Cu
Reaction with acids: NH3 + HCl -> NH4Cl
Reaction with non-metals: NH3 + Cl2 -> N2 + 6HCl
Reaction with salts: NH3 + NaCl -> NaOH + NH4Cl -
Preparation of Ammonia
4.1 Laboratory preparation: Ammonia can be prepared from N2 and H2 according to the equation N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3
4.2 Industrial preparation: In industry, ammonia is prepared by the Haber-Bosch method, using nitrogen from the air and hydrogen from natural gas or coal.