1. Properties of Liquid Ammonia:

• Chemical Formula: NH₃.
• Physical State:
  • A colorless liquid with a pungent, suffocating odor.
  • Boiling point: -33.34°C (-28.01°F).
  • Freezing point: -77.73°C (-107.91°F).
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH).
• Density: Approximately 0.681 g/cm³ at -33°C.
• Reactivity:
  • Acts as a weak base and reacts with acids to form ammonium salts.
  • Combustible under certain conditions, producing nitrogen and water.
  • Corrosive to certain materials, especially copper and zinc.

2. Applications of Liquid Ammonia:

• Industrial Uses:
  • Fertilizer Production: A key component in the manufacture of urea and other nitrogen-based fertilizers.
  • Refrigeration: Used as a refrigerant in industrial cooling systems due to its high efficiency.
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Utilized in producing nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, and other chemicals.
• Laboratory Uses:
  • Serves as a solvent in certain chemical reactions.
  • Used in analytical chemistry for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Energy Storage:
  • Explored as a potential energy carrier in hydrogen storage and transportation.
• Cleaning and Purification:
  • Used in cleaning solutions for industrial and household purposes.

3. Safety and Handling of Liquid Ammonia:

• Hazards:
  • Corrosive: Can cause chemical burns to skin and eyes.
  • Toxic: Inhalation of vapors can cause respiratory irritation and lung damage.
  • Flammable: Combustible in air under certain conditions.
• Protective Measures:
  • Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to minimize vapor exposure.
  • Wear protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection when handling.
• First Aid:
  • Skin Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing.
  • Eye Contact: Flush with water immediately and seek medical attention.
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek emergency medical care if symptoms persist.

4. Storage:

• Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers, such as steel or specific alloys.
• Keep in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and incompatible substances like acids and halogens.
• Label containers clearly and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.

5. Common Uses in Concentrated and Diluted Forms:

• Concentrated Liquid Ammonia: Used in industrial refrigeration and chemical manufacturing.
• Diluted Liquid Ammonia: Found in household cleaning products and laboratory applications.