Answer to Question #153332 in Inorganic Chemistry for Djoukang Temfack Samanta Samira

Question

Using equations only, Show how

(i) Ammonia can be prepared in the laboratory

(ii) A fertiliser can be prepared from a nitrogen compound with oxidation states -3 and +5

Answer 1

(i) Ammonia is easily made in the laboratory by heating an ammonium salt, such as ammonium chloride NH₄Cl with a strong alkali, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.

2NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O + 2NH₃(g)

OR

by warming concentrated ammonium hydroxide

NH₄OH_(aq) $\to$ NH_3(g) + H₂O_(l)

(ii) The only fertilizer with two nitrogens one with +5 and the other -3 oxidation states is NH₄N₂O₅. It can be prepared in the following reaction.

10As  +  12HNO₃  →  5As₂O₃  +  3NO₂  +  3NH₄N₂O₅