Definition and Usage Area of Ammonia

Ammonia is a gaseous compound consisting of nitrogen atom and hydrogen atom, which is colorless and has a sharp and unpleasant odor. Although it does not contain OH- ions, it shows weak base properties.

Ammonia is a covalently bonded (nonmetal + nonmetal) compound. Since its molecules are polar, it is highly soluble in water. Ammonia molecules form weak hydrogen bonds with water molecules as well as among themselves. Therefore, it is very soluble in water.

Since it has an unbonded pair of electrons, its molecular shape is a triangular pyramid, so it is a polar molecule. The latent heat of gasification is very high, therefore it is also used as a refrigerant in industrial facilities. At room conditions, a saturated ammonia solution is 34% and its density is 0.88 g/ ml.

Usage areas

• It is used in the first stage in the synthesis of substances such as NH3, fertilizer, medicine, dye, perfume. Ammonia is a toxic substance for living things, care should be taken while using it. Substances sold under the name of NH3 on the market are Ammonium Hydroxide, an aqueous solution of NH3.
• Ammonia is mostly used in fertilizer production and as a fertilizer. It is the starting material in the production of nitrogen fertilizer and nitric acid.
• Liquid NH3 can be poured directly into the soil. Salts such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate can also be used as fertilizers.
• Ammonia is used to neutralize acid-containing by-products of refined petroleum and to prevent coagulation in tire production.
• The main used products are: paints, plastics, nylon, cleaning products, explosives, coolers (such as air conditioners), synthetic fibers, cotton and silk cleaning, bakelite and synthetic resin production, soda, explosive substances, synthetic fiber, drug synthesis..