Ammonia gas is a very common gas around us. So, what is ammonia gas, what is NH3, and what are the applications of ammonia? Where is ammonia found, what are the chemical properties of NH3, and how is NH3 produced? Let’s find out together in this article from Migco.
What is NH3?
NH3, also known as Ammonia – is widely used in industrial, agricultural, and daily life applications.
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What is ammonia gas?
- What is NH3? Ammonia, also spelled a-mo-ni-ắc, is an inorganic compound. The chemical formula of ammonia is NH₃. At normal temperature, it is a toxic gas with a pungent odor.
- It has high polarity because the NH3 molecule has a lone pair of electrons and the N–H bond is polarized. Therefore, it is easily liquefied.
- It turns litmus paper blue.
- It is a good dissolving solvent: it dissolves organic solvents more easily than water because it has a lower dielectric constant than water. Alkali metals and metals such as Ca, Sr, Ba can dissolve in liquid ammonia to form dark blue solutions.
Where is ammonia found?
- In nature, ammonia is produced during the excretion of urine and the decomposition of dead organisms.
- Ammonia is a compound produced during protein metabolism in the body.
Chemical properties of NH3 – what is ammonia?
Below are some chemical properties of ammonia:
- NH3 has reducing properties.
- It decomposes at high temperatures.
- Weak basicity
- Easily decomposed
- Soluble in water.
Now that we know what NH3 is, let’s explore its applications.
Production of NH3 – ammonia
Below is how ammonia is produced:
Production of NH3 in the laboratory: 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 → NH3 + CaCl2 + H2O
Industrial production of NH3:
- Most ammonia (90%) is produced by the Haber-Bosch process using nitrogen from the air and hydrogen from methane and water.
- From NO and H2.
- The Persek process from aluminum nitride AlN and water.
- The CaCN2 process of Rothe-Frank-Caro.
What are the applications of ammonia NH3?
It is widely used in industrial and daily life applications. Below are some applications of ammonia gas:
- Application in the oil and gas industry: neutralizing acids, a component of crude oil. It also protects equipment from corrosion.
- Used for extracting metals: Copper (Cu), Nickel, Molybdenum
- Liquid NH3 is used in laboratories.
- Applied in agriculture. Specifically, as an antifreeze for preserving latex and for producing nitrogen fertilizers.
- NH3 solution is used for environmental treatment.
- Liquid ammonia is also used as a household cleaning agent.
- Used in the production of synthetic fibers.
- Production of hydrazine N2H4 used as rocket fuel.
- Production of nitric acid, used as a refrigerant.

Above are some applications of Ammonia NH3.
Precautions when using Ammonia Gas NH3
Ammonia is a toxic gas. Minimize inhalation of this gas. During use, inhaling large amounts can cause burning in the throat.
Hopefully, the above information will help you answer questions such as: what is NH3, where is ammonia found, what are the chemical properties of NH3, and how is NH3 produced? If you need further advice or want to buy ammonia gas, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.
Reputable NH3 gas supplier in Vietnam
Migco is a reputable and quality NH3 gas supplier with high purity. MIGCO specializes in providing industrial gases, noble gases, mixed gases, and high-purity gases.
>>>>> See more: Where to buy ammonia solution, liquid NH3?
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