Ammonia (NH₃)

Overview

Ammonia (CAS No: 7664-41-7) is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell and is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals. With the formula NH₃, ammonia is an important compound of nitrogen and hydrogen.

Ammonia is used both as a gas and in aqueous solution (ammonium hydroxide). It's widely used in industrial refrigeration systems, fertilizer production, cleaning products, and various chemical syntheses.

Applications

Ammonia has a wide range of industrial and commercial applications:

Technical Specifications

Safety Information

Hazard Symbols and Statements

Toxic Corrosive Health Hazard Environmental Hazard

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gas mask (with ammonia filters)
• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
• Chemical goggles or face shield
• Acid vapor-resistant protective clothing
• Ventilated work area

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place
• Gas form should be stored in pressurized steel cylinders
• Solution form should use plastic or stainless steel containers
• Keep away from acids, oxidizers and halogens
• Storage temperature: Gas <30°C, solution 15-25°C

Fire Fighting

• Suitable extinguishers: Water spray, dry chemical, CO₂
• Toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides may be released in fire
• Firefighting personnel should use full respiratory protection
• Cool pressurized containers with water but do not apply water directly to gas leak

Handling & Storage

Transportation

• Use pressurized cylinders for gas form and prevent cylinder tipping
• Ensure proper ventilation in transport vehicles
• Transport separately from acids, oxidizers and flammable materials
• Carry leak detectors during transportation
• Have neutralizing material (sulfuric acid solution) available for spills

Storage

• Use stainless steel or special alloy pressurized containers for gas form
• Use polyethylene or stainless steel containers for solution form
• Ensure proper signage and gas detectors in storage areas
• Keep acid neutralizing materials in storage areas
• Provide secondary containment for large quantities

Spill Response Measures

• Immediately evacuate exposed personnel from area
• Do not enter area without proper respiratory protection
• For gas leaks, shut off source if possible and ventilate
• For liquid spills, contain with sand or acid-binding materials
• Flush area with plenty of water (for gas form)
• Notify professional cleanup teams

Regulatory Information

GHS Classification

• Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 3
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1B
• Serious Eye Damage Category 1
• Respiratory Tract Irritation Category 3
• Acute Aquatic Toxicity Category 1

Key Regulations

• REACH: Registered
• CLP: Classified
• Seveso III Directive: List II substance
• ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA: Classified as dangerous goods

Industry Standards

• ASTM D1426 - Ammonia Purity Standard
• ISO 7104 - Measurement Standard for Liquid Ammonia
• EN 12120 - Standard for ammonia used in water treatment for human consumption

Environmental Information

Environmental Impact

Ammonia shows high toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is very harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations. In the atmosphere, it can contribute to nitric acid formation leading to acid rain.

Biodegradation

• Air: Degrades by photochemical reactions (approximately 1-5 day half-life)
• Water: Degrades by microbial activity, but high concentrations are toxic
• Soil: Degrades by microbial activity, but high concentrations are toxic to soil microorganisms

Waste Management

• Classified as hazardous waste
• Can be disposed by neutralization at licensed waste facilities
• Do not discharge into sewers or surface waters
• Special recycling systems should be used for gas form
• Dispose in accordance with local regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ammonia dangerous?

Ammonia at high concentrations can cause serious irritation in the respiratory system, burns and even death. The gas form is lighter than air so it can spread quickly. The liquid form is corrosive to skin and eyes. It can also be explosive when mixed with flammable gases.

What are the symptoms of ammonia poisoning?

Symptoms of ammonia poisoning include burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat, coughing, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and loss of consciousness. High exposure may cause pulmonary edema and death.

What should I do in case of an ammonia leak?

In case of an ammonia leak, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services. Approach the leak from upwind. Do not enter the leak area without a gas mask. For small leaks, you can neutralize with diluted acetic acid or citric acid solution.

Can ammonia be mixed with bleach?

Absolutely not! Mixing ammonia and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) releases chloramine gas which can be fatal. This mixture can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation and even death.

How is ammonia produced?

Ammonia is produced industrially primarily by the Haber-Bosch process. This process combines nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases under high pressure (150-300 atm) and high temperature (400-500°C) in the presence of an iron-based catalyst: N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃