Ammonia solution readily reacts with a variety of substances, including acids, oxidizing agents, and certain metal ions.
Reactions of Ammonia Solution
Ammonia (NH3) dissolved in water forms ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), creating an alkaline solution. This solution exhibits characteristic reactions with acids, oxidizing agents, and metal ions.
Reactions with Acids
Ammonia solution readily neutralizes acids to form ammonium salts. This is a classic acid-base reaction.
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Example: Reaction with hydrochloric acid (HCl):
NH4OH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NH4Cl(aq) + H2O(l)
In this reaction, ammonium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce ammonium chloride and water.
Reactions with Oxidizing Agents
Ammonia solution can react violently and explosively with strong oxidizing agents.
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Examples:
- Halogens (chlorine, bromine, etc.): Ammonia solution reacts explosively with oxidizing gases like chlorine (Cl2), bromine (Br2), and other halogens.
- Hypochlorites (bleach): Ammonia solution reacts explosively with hypochlorites, such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite, NaClO). This reaction can produce toxic and potentially deadly chloramine gas.
Warning: Mixing ammonia with bleach is extremely dangerous and should be strictly avoided.
Reactions with Metal Ions
Ammonia solution can react with certain metal ions to form complex ions or precipitate metal hydroxides.
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Example: Reaction with copper(II) ions:
Copper(II) ions (Cu2+) in solution react with ammonia to form a deep blue complex ion, tetraamminecopper(II) ([Cu(NH3)4]2+). This reaction is often used as a test for the presence of copper(II) ions.
Cu2+(aq) + 4NH3(aq) → [Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq)
Summary
Ammonia solution is a reactive substance that can undergo various chemical reactions. It reacts with acids to form salts, can react explosively with strong oxidizing agents like halogens and bleach, and forms complex ions or precipitates with certain metal ions. Always handle ammonia solutions with care and avoid mixing it with incompatible substances, especially bleach.
