Main areas and fields of ammonia use

Ammonia is one of the most important chemical substances used in different areas of human activity. Every year it is produced in huge quantities because it is needed for fertilizers, chemical raw materials, refrigerants and other products. This article explains where ammonia is used and why it remains in demand in industry.

Properties of Ammonia

The physical and chemical properties of ammonia determine its use in various fields. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp characteristic odor. The substance is toxic: at dangerous concentrations and with prolonged exposure, it can cause respiratory irritation, swelling and organ damage.

Ammonia is a weak base. It reacts with water and acids, forming ammonium salts. For example, the reaction of anhydrous ammonia with nitric acid makes it possible to obtain ammonium nitrate, which is used for fertilizer production.

Ammonia is a reducing agent. It can reduce different metals from their oxides. The reaction of ammonia with copper oxide makes it possible to obtain nitrogen.

Different Areas of Ammonia Use

Despite its toxicity, ammonia is used in many different areas. Most produced ammonia goes into manufacturing different chemical industry products. These include:

• ammonia and ammonium nitrate fertilizers: ammonium nitrate, nitrate fertilizers, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride and others. Such fertilizers are suitable for different agricultural crops. It is important to know that fertilizer application to soil is regulated: excess nitrogen compounds can worsen crop quality and soil condition;

• soda. There is an ammonia method for producing soda ash. Ammonia is used to saturate brine. This method is actively used for industrial soda production;

• nitric acid. Synthetic ammonia is used for its production. In industry, nitric acid is obtained by catalytic oxidation of ammonia;

• explosives. Ammonium nitrate is neutral to mechanical impact, but under certain conditions it has strong explosive properties. That is why it is used to produce such substances. As a result, ammonites, or ammonia-based explosives, are obtained;

• solvent. In liquid state, ammonia can be used as a solvent for various organic and inorganic substances;

• refrigeration equipment. Ammonia is used in industrial refrigeration systems as a refrigerant. It has good thermodynamic properties and a low global warming potential, but because of toxicity such systems require strict compliance with safety rules;

• ammonia solution. It is used in medicine and household applications. This substance removes stains from clothing of different origin and neutralizes acids.

Use of Ammonia in Medicine

In medicine and household use, an aqueous ammonia solution is used. It is known as smelling salts or ammonia water in some contexts. It is used as an irritant for short-term inhalation during fainting and in some external products. Using ammonia solution internally or for self-treatment is dangerous; such actions are possible only as prescribed by a specialist.

It is important to remember that high ammonia concentration is dangerous. Irritation of mucous membranes, burns, swelling and severe poisoning are possible. Therefore, ammonia and its solutions should be used only as intended and with caution.