Ammonia: The Chemical That Will Get You Started in Sports

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia, with the chemical formula NH₃, is a colorless, pungent compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. It exhibits weak basic properties. Commercially, it exists as an aqueous solution. It is a covalent compound, highly soluble in water due to its polar molecules. It serves as an initial component in the synthesis of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and perfumes. It is also known by other names such as hydrogen nitride, nitrogen trihydride, and trihydrogen nitride. Ammonia/ammonium traces are found in rainwater. In volcanic regions, ammonium chloride (sal ammonia) and ammonium sulfate are present. Ammonia bicarbonate crystals have been discovered in Patagonian guano.

Physical Properties 

Ammonia is colorless, pungent compound composed of nitrogen and 3 hydrogen atoms. Under standard conditions, it has a density of 0.76 kg/m³ and is lighter than water. Its melting point is -77°C (-107°F), and at -33°C (-28°F), it transitions to a gaseous state. Its solubility in water at 25°C is approximately 31%.

Origin of the Name  

The name traces back to ancient Egypt. It was derived from the gases emitted by burning camel dung, which heated the Temple of Amun. These gases accumulated as white crystalline ammonium chloride (known as “sal ammoniac”) on the temple walls and ceiling. During that era, this substance was referred to as “Amon’s Salt.

Uses of Ammonia

Fertilizer:

Approximately 88% of ammonia in the United States is used as fertilizer, either in the form of salts, solutions, or anhydrous ammonia. When applied to soil, it helps improve crop yields for crops like corn and wheat. In the U.S., about 30% of agricultural nitrogen is applied in the form of anhydrous ammonia, totaling 110 million tons worldwide annually. Aqueous ammonia solutions (with concentrations varying between 16% and 25%) are used as a nitrogen source for microorganisms in the fermentation industry and for pH adjustment during fermentation processes.

Refrigerant:

Ammonia’s vaporization properties make it an effective refrigerant. Before the popularity of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ammonia was widely used. Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used in industrial cooling applications and ice rinks due to its high energy efficiency and low cost. However, due to its toxicity, it is not commonly used for residential cooling.

Antimicrobial:

As early as 1895, ammonia was recognized as a powerful antiseptic. In one study, anhydrous ammonia eliminated 99.999% of zoonotic bacteria in animal feed but did not have the same effect in silage. Currently, anhydrous ammonia is used commercially to reduce or eliminate microbial contamination in beef. Lean, finely textured beef (commonly known as “pink slime”) is produced by extracting fat from fatty beef using heat and centrifugation, followed by ammonia treatment to kill E. coli. This process has been deemed effective and safe by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Fuel:

Ammonia has been used as a fuel and is proposed as an alternative to fossil fuels and hydrogen. At room temperature, anhydrous ammonia exists as a liquid under its own vapor pressure and has high volumetric energy density. Compared to hydrogen, ammonia is easier to store.As a fuel, it is much more energy-efficient and can be produced, stored, and delivered at a significantly lower cost than hydrogen.

Stimulant:

The vapor released by smelling salts (which contain ammonia) has found use as a respiratory stimulant. Some bodybuilders use it inhalants before workouts to enhance focus and performance.

Warning: However, continuous exposure to ammonia is not recommended due to harmful effects such as eye irritation, nasal discomfort, coughing, and bronchial constriction.

Anhydrous ammonia boils below room temperature at atmospheric pressure. Storage containers with a capacity of 250 psi (1.7 MPa) are suitable for holding the liquid. Ammonia is used in various industrial applications that require carbon or stainless steel storage vessels. Experts advise against allowing ammonia compounds to come into contact with bases due to the potential release of dangerous amounts of ammonia gas.

Where to Buy?

You can buy ammonia from chemical suppliers or online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay.

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