Ammonia (total): Overview
Description
'Ammonia (total)' refers to the mixture of two different, but related compounds: ammonia (NH3) and the ionised form (NH4+). The NH3 compound is the volatile, potentially hazardous substance present in the mixture.
Ammonia is used widely in many areas. It is present in commonly used household and industrial cleaners, bleaching agents and disinfectants. It is used in the preparation of synthetic fibres (e.g. nylons), plastics and explosives, resins, human and veterinary medicines, fertilisers, chemical compounds, fuel cells, rocket fuel, dyes, metal treating operations, refrigeration, and in the petroleum industry.
Substance details
Substance name: Ammonia
CASR number: 7664-41-7
Molecular formula: NH3
Synonyms: anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, aqua ammonia, ammonia water
Physical properties
Ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct, pungent odour that is distinctive of drying urine. It is easily liquefied under pressure.
Specific Gravity: 0.7714
Melting Point: -77.7°C
Boiling Point: -33.3°C
Relative Vapour Density: 0.5967
Chemical properties
Ammonia is alkaline and corrosive. It reacts strongly with oxidisers, acids, halogens, and attacks copper, aluminium, silver, zinc and their alloys. It is corrosive to copper. Liquid ammonia will attack some forms of plastics, rubbers and coatings. It is very soluble in water, chloroform and ether, and is moderately soluble in alcohol. Ammonia is a good solvent.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of ammonia emissions in Australia.
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