General Description
A colorless aqueous solution. Concentration of ammonia ranges up to approximately 30%. Ammonia vapors (which arise from the solution) irritate the eyes.
Reactivity Profile
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE(1336-21-6) reacts exothermically with acids. Evolves toxic gaseous ammonia with strong bases. Reacts extremely violently with dimethyl sulfate [NFPA 491M 1991]. Reacts with aqueous silver nitrate sodium hydroxide to give a black precipitate of silver nitride. Such a precipitate can explode on stirring [MCA Case History 1554 1968]. Aqueous ammonia and Hg react to form an explosive solid, likely a fulminate. (Thodos, G. Amer. Inst. Chen. Engrs. J., 1964, 10, 274.).
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble. Generates a small amount of heat when diluted with water.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
It is used in detergents, stain removers,
bleaches, dyes, fibers, and resins.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency
medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not
breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim
ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration
with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way
valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and
isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact
with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running
water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact,
avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim
warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion
or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved
and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation
is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized
paramedic may consider administering a drug or other
inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN2672 Ammonia solutions, relative density
between 0.880 and 0.957 at 15 C in water, with .10% but
not .35% ammonia, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive
material.
Incompatibilities
Solution is strongly alkaline. Violent
reaction with strong oxidizers, acids (exothermic reaction
with strong mineral acids). Shock-sensitive compounds
may be formed with halogens, mercury oxide; silver oxide.
Fire and explosions may be caused by contact with β-propiolactone,
silver nitrate; ethyl alcoho; silver permanganate;
trimethylammonium amide; 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene,
o-chloronitrobenzene, platinum, trioxygen difluoride; selenium
difluoride dioxide; boron halides; mercury, chlorine,
iodine; bromine, hypochlorites, chlorine bleach; amides,
organic anhydrides; isocyanates, vinyl acetate; alkylene
oxides; epichlorohydrin; aldehydes. Attacks some coatings,
plastics and rubber. Attacks copper, brass, bronze, aluminum,
steel, zinc, and their alloys.
Chemical Properties
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE exists only in the form of an aqueous solution. The compound is prepared by dissolving NH3 in H2O and usually is referred to in industrial trade as aqua ammonia. For industrial procurements, the concentration of NH3 in solution is normally specified in terms of the specific gravity (degrees Baum′e, °Be). Common concentrations are 20 °Be and 26 °Be. The former is equivalent to a sp gr of 0.933, or a concentration of about 17.8% NH3 in solution; the latter is equivalent to a sp gr of 0.897, or a concentration of about 29.4% NH3. These figures apply at a temperature of 60 °F (15.6 °C). Reagent grade NH4OH usually contains approximately 58% NH4OH (from 28 to 30% NH3 in solution).
Chemical Properties
Ammonium Hydroxide is a colorless to milkywhite solution of ammonia, with a strong, irritating odor.Concentration of solutions range up to approximately 30% ammonia.
Waste Disposal
Dilute with water, neutralize
with HCl and discharge to sewer.
Definition
Ammonium hydroxide,NH40H, is a hydrate of anunonia and exists in crystalline form at -79°C. Normally, it is only found in an aqueous solution also known as aquaanunonia and anunonia water. It is prepared by dissolving NH3 inH20. Reagent grade anunonium hydroxide contains from 28 to 30% NH3 at 15.6 °C. Industrial sales specify the concentration of NH3 in solution in terms of specific gravity. Common concentrations are 20 °Be, which would bea concentration of 17.8% NH3 (specific gravity 0.933) and 26 °Be (specific gravity 0.897), or a concentration of 29.4% NH3. Ammonium hydroxide is an excellent medium for the reaction of NH3 (which becomes the NH4 radical in solution) with other compounds for the preparation of anunonium salts and other nitrogen-containing chemicals. It is an ingredientin deodorants, etching compounds, and cleaning and bleaching materials. Ammoniumhydroxide, as aqua ammonia, finds wide use as a neutralizing agent,because it is inexpensive and strongly alkaline.
Hazard
Liquid and vapor extremely irritating, especially to eyes.
Flammability and Explosibility
Ammonia vapor is slightly flammable (NFPA rating = 1) and ignites only with
difficulty. Ammonia forms explosive mixtures with air in the range 16 to 25%.
Water, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical extinguishers should be used for ammonia
fires.
Agricultural Uses
Ammonium hydroxide is also known as ammonia
solution, aqua ammonia, aqueous ammonia or
ammonia liquor. It is the solution of ammonia in water
and is commonly referred to as ammonium hydroxide. It
is the simplest nitrogen solution made by forcing
compressed ammonia (anhydrous ammonia) gas into
water.
Agricultural Uses
Aqua ammonia, also called aqueous ammonia, ammonia liquor and ammonium hydroxide is ammonia dissolved in water to form a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is the simplest nitrogen solution made by forcing compressed NH3 (anhydrous ammonia) gas into water. It has a pressure of less than 0.7 kg/cm2 and is usually composed of 25 to 29.4% ammonia by weight (20 to 25 % nitrogen).
Ammonia dissolved in water is present principally as the ammonium ion (NH4+ )non-ionized molecular ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), sometimes referred to as an associated form of ammonium hydroxide, is also present. Hydrated molecules of ammonia (NH3) may also exist as NH3·H2O orNH3·2H2O.
Purified water is used for the reaction of ammonia and water in the production process. The methods for water purification are (a) a conventional sodium-form water-softening ion exchange resin, which replaces all cations present with sodium ions, (b) both hydrogenform cation resin and hydroxyl-form anion resin, resulting in total de-ionisation of water, or (c) reverse osmosis purification equipment which results in total deionization of water.
If water hardness is sufficiently low and/or if suitable filtration is available to remove the precipitate formed during the reaction of ammonia with water, the product can be manufactured without pre-treatment of water. For most water supplies, the precipitate is principally calcium carbonate.
During the reaction of ammonia with water, a large amount of heat is generated, which requires heat exchangers to control the temperature. The resulting aqua ammonia contains ammonium ions (NH4+), hydroxyl ions (OH-), and non-ionized ammonium hydroxide molecules (NH4OH).
The grade or strength of ammonium hydroxide available commercially is 26 degree Baume. The Baume reading refers to a specific gravity scale. A 26 degree Baume (Be) solution is equivalent to 29.4% by weight of ammonia dissolved in water. Since the Baume reading varies with temperature, the reading is standardized at minus 9.4℃. The density of the material compared to water is 0.8974. Ammonia products of 29.4% strength are also frequently described as 26° Be products, the freezing point of which is about minus 62.2℃.
An aqueous solution has a vapor pressure which varies with temperature. At ambient temperatures, the vapor pressure of 26°Be material equals atmospheric pressure. This permits the material to be shipped and stored in non-pressurized containers. This is the highest strength material generally available commercially.
Aqua ammonia should be stored in a closed container and kept cool, as otherwise the ammonia gas comes out of the solution and the strength reduces. The nitrogen concentration in aqua ammonia can be increased to 40 % by partial pressurization.
Aqua ammonia is corrosive to copper, copper alloys, aluminum alloys and galvanized surfaces. Aqua ammonia is an excellent acid neutralizer. Its pH varies with concentration; typical values of pH are 11.7 at 1 % , 12.2at5%, 12.4at 10% and 13.5at30%concentration.
Transport and delivery costs limit the production of aqua ammonia (NH3) to small, local, fluid fertilizer plants. Aqua ammonia is regularly available in concentrations of 19%, 25 % and 29%. These are used for direct soil application or as inputs to produce other liquid fertilizers. Ammonia volatilizes quickly at temperatures above 10°C; therefore, aqua ammonia is usually injected into soil to depths of 5 to 10 cm. It should not be used in calcareous soil.
Agricultural Uses
The solution of ammonia in water is called ammonia
solution, commonly referred to as aqua ammonia. It is
also called aqueous ammonia, ammonia liquor or
ammonium hydroxide. It is the simplest nitrogen
solution made by forcing compressed NH3 (anhydrous
ammonia) gas into water.
storage
All work with this substance should be
conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and splash goggles and
impermeable gloves should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact.
Containers should be tightly sealed to prevent escape of vapor and should be stored
in a cool area separate from halogens, acids, and oxidizers. Containers stored in
warm locations may build up dangerous internal pressures of ammonia gas.