Ammonia is a colorless gas with a chemical formula NH3. It consists of hydrogen and nitrogen. In its aqueous form, it is called as ammonium hydroxide. This inorganic compound has a pungent smell. In its concentrated form, it is dangerous and caustic. Ammonia is lighter than air with a density of 0.769 kg/m3 at STP.
It is widely used as a fertilizer. It is also used in the manufacturing of explosives such as nitrocellulose and TNT. Also, it is used in the production of soda ash and in the Ostwald process to get nitric acid.
NH3 | Ammonia |
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 17.031 g/mol |
Density | 0.73 kg/m³ |
Boiling Point | -33.34 °C |
Melting Point | −77.73 °C |
It is used as fertilizers as it increases the yield of crops
It is used in the household as a cleaner – NH3 is mixed with water to clean stainless steel and glass
It is used in food products as an antimicrobial agent
It is used in the fermentation industry
It is used as a refrigerant
It is used as a PH adjuster in the fermentation process
It is used to neutralize pollutant like nitrogen oxides emitted from diesel engines
It is used as a fuel for rocket engines
It is used in textile industries
It is used in the manufacture of synthetic fiber like rayon and nylon