Ammonium Hydroxide Formula

Ammonium hydroxide, also known as ammonia water or ammoniacal liquor, is an inorganic compound used in cleaning agents.

Formula and structure: The ammonium hydroxide chemical formula is NH₄OH. The molar mass is 35.04 g mol^-1 respectively. The compound structure is formed by one hydroxide anion (OH^-) and one ammonium cation NH4⁺ which share an ionic bond. Its chemical structure can be written as below, in the common representations used for organic molecules.

Occurrence: Ammonium hydroxide occurs naturally by the dissolution of ammonia in water.

Preparation: Ammonia hydroxide is formed mostly by the direct reaction of hydrogen and nitrogen catalyzed by a metal as iron. The resulting ammonia is added to water to form the ammonium hydroxide.

Physical properties: Ammonium hydroxide is a colorless liquid with a highly pungent odor. Ammonium hydroxide density is 0.91 g mL^-1. The melting points are -57.5 ºC and its boiling point is 37 ºC. It is highly miscible with water.

Chemical properties: Ammonium hydroxide is a weak basic compound that partially dissociates in water keeping the next equilibrium with ammonium ion and hydroxide ion:

NH₄OH + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻

The equilibrium is used to regulate the pH of solutions due to the ion OH- increases the pOH or basicity level of a solution.

Uses: Ammonium hydroxide is mostly used as household cleaner, for this purpose it can be used a solution of 1-3%. In chemical processes, it is used as a precursor to form alkyl amines. Ammonium hydroxide is also used as a acidity regulator to reduce the acidity in food due to the release of hydroxide in solution.

Health effects / safety hazards: Ammonium hydroxide is a strong irritant of eyes and respiratory tract. It can also cause severe damage to eyes and skin. It is very toxic to aquatic life.