17. Ammonia

Ammonia

• Ammonia is a weak alkali. When dissolved in water, the molecules undergo partial ionisation.
  
• As a weak alkali, it can neutralise acids to form salts.
  
• Ammonia gas is produced on an industrial scale by the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen called Haber Process.
  
• Nitrogen is obtained industrially by the fractional distillation of liquid air.
  
• Hydrogen is obtained from the petroleum by cracking of oil (see Unit 11).
  
• N2(g)    +    3H2(g)  -> 2NH3(g)      ∆H = -184 kJ
  
• Conditions : High temperature of 450oC, 200 atmospheric pressure, finely divided iron catalyst
  

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