Uses of Ammonia: Overview, Questions, Preparation

This chapter has multiple topics listed below:

Periodic Table Elements Hypochlorous Acid Percentage of Oxygen in air CO Structure Argon Gas Barium Hydroxide Uses of Ammonia Uses of Nitric Acid Sulfurous Acid Uses of Sulphuric Acid Sodium Borate Radon Uses Difference between Nitrate and ...

Yamini Saini

Updated on Apr 27, 2021 01:58 IST

Introduction

Ammonia is an inorganic compound formed by single Nitrogen covalently bonded to three hydrogen atoms. So the molecular formula of ammonia is NH3. The ammonia molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape with the nitrogen atom at the tip. It is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. It is not carcinogenic or mutagenic.

Table of Contents

Preparation of Ammonia
Uses of Ammonia
FAQs regarding Uses of Ammonia

Preparation of Ammonia

Ammonia is generated from urea by a hydrolysis reaction that yields a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water.

On a large scale, ammonia is manufactured by Haber's process.

Uses of Ammonia

Ammonia is used to produce various Nitrogen-based fertilizers like ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate
It is used in the manufacture of some inorganic nitrogen compounds like Nitric acid
Liquid ammonia acts as a refrigerant in food processing and preservation
Ammonia is known for its use in paper mill industries
It works better at controlling algae, bacteria, and fungi in water intake systems
Many household and cleaning solutions have small concentrations of ammonia
Ammonia is the starting material for the production of hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) for nylon, acrylonitrile for plastics and fibres, and caprolactam for nylon
It acts as a catalyst in phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde condensation to make synthetic resins
It works as a preharvest cotton defoliant and in metal treating operations
Ammonia is a component of the radioactive diagnostic agent, N13 injection
Ammonia is used for pharmaceutical medications like sulfa drugs, vitamins, and cosmetics
It is used to prevent the coagulation of latex

Uses of Ammonia For Class 12

This section deals with the preparation, properties, and uses of some p-block elements. The total chapter weightage is 5%. Questions are in the form of objective type.

Illustrative Examples

Why does NH3 act as a Lewis base?

The nitrogen atom in NH3 has one lone pair of electrons, which is available for donation. Therefore, it acts as a Lewis base.

Why does NH3 form hydrogen bonds, but PH3 does not?

The electrons in NH3 move towards Nitrogen rather than phosphorus in PH3 because Nitrogen has high electronegativity. Therefore, the extent of hydrogen bonding in PH3 is less than compared to NH3. So NH3 forms hydrogen bonds, but PH3 does not.

How does ammonia react with a solution of Cu2+?

Ammonia has lone pair electrons(Lewis Base), and Copper solution(Lewis Acid) has electrons deficient. They both react to form a deep blue colored complex compound [Cu(NH3)4]2+.

The reaction is given below:

Cu2+(aq) +4NH3(aq) → [Cu(NH3) 4] 2+(aq)

FAQs regarding Uses of Ammonia

Q. Why Liquid ammonia used in refrigeration?

A. Liquid anhydrous ammonia weighs less than water. It boils at -28 °F. The liquid is stored in containers under pressure in refrigeration systems. On the release of pressure, the liquid evaporates into vapour or gas. So ammonia is used in refrigeration systems.

Q. What are some properties of ammonia to make it useful?

A. Ammonia is inexpensive and ideal for steel and glass surfaces. It is readily soluble in water and used for household purposes as a cleaning agent. It can remove stubborn soap residue.

Q. How do you neutralize ammonia?

A. Vinegar neutralizes ammonia by getting rid of the smell. To remove the smell of ammonia, sprinkle a pure, undiluted form of Vinegar.

Q. What are the side effects associated with the inhalation of ammonia?

A. The most common ones are immediate burning of the throat, nose, and respiratory tract. Eventually, it can lead to respiratory distress or failure.

Q. What are the tests for ammonia gas?

A. Ammonia gas turns red litmus to blue. I t produces dense white fumes when reacted with con.HCl. When excess ammonia is added to the colorless Nessler's reagent, it turns pale brown.